The sales can be a great time to bag a sofa bargain. Richard Bond of Jamie Hempsall Interior guides you toward making the right choice so you are sitting pretty.

A sofa is a major investment, which should last a considerable time, and this time of year is perfect for helping considerably lessen the financial outlay. However, put your heart aside and apply some hard logic to ensure your purchase is not an expensive mistake.

Style is vital, but consider impact on space and seating capacity

Firstly, consider who will actually use the sofa? Is it a statement piece for adoration or the centre of family life with all the stresses and strains that this may mean?

Next measure the physical space you have available and consider the clearance you need for other furniture. There is nothing worse than bringing the right design in and finding it is over or undersized. Similarly, give a thought to the size of the people who are going to sit on it.

Measure access routes to ensure you can get your sofa in your house!

Take a tape measure with you. If you are unsure a sofa will fit, take the maximum dimensions and make a full-scale paper template. Then lay this out on the floor to check it will fit within the confines of your room.

Measure ceiling heights, door widths and any awkward angles along the access route to help avoid choosing a sofa that you cannot physically get into your house. Check with the retailer if the legs can be removed (even a few centimetres can be helpful when negotiating doors) and see if the sofa is constructed in sections that can be taken apart.

Then you can start to consider form. One of the key decisions is loose cushion or fixed back? The former tends to be a relaxed look, allowing you to sink into a sofa, whilst the latter is more supportive and formal.

The correct seat depth for your legs is vital to comfort

Seat depth makes a huge difference to how a sofa will work. If it is to be lounged upon a wide seat can make it feel more like a bed – however, this can be unsettling for anyone who prefers to sit upright. Ideally, you should be able to sit on a sofa comfortably with your feet touching the floor and the back of your knee just clear of the edge.

Your cushion choice is important, for comfort perspective and maintenance. Foam can be hard, but keeps its shape. Feather is indulgent, but requires daily plumping. I would generally opt for a combination foam-feather wrap seat cushion (a bit like a duvet wrapped around a foam centre). You get all the comfort with a bit more structure.

Foam Feather Wrap Seat Cushions provide low maintenance comfort

Style is vital, but consider impact on space and seating capacity; a scroll arm can look amazing, but needs a large room to carry it off and reduces the seating space.

Above all, do not buy in a rush. See it, feel it, sit on it. Go away and come back at least once. Keep a cool head and that real bargain is yours for the taking.

INSIDER TIPS TO CHECK OUT THE QUALITY

Try lifting the sofa from the corner of one end. A good frame should not twist, creak or appear flimsy.

Check the frame behind the back cushions, it should be thick and padded – you should not be able to feel the frame.

Look under the seat cushions to see if it is the same fabric as the body of the sofa or a cheaper lining.

Finally, ask your retailer to unzip one of the cushions to see if the fabric has been over-locked to prevent fraying.

Richard Bond, MD of multi-award winning Jamie Hempsall Interior Design, writes for a number of publications and is a regular interiors pundit for BBC Radio

Your tree sets the tone for your approach to the festive season. Opt for the biggest tree you can accommodate and site near a socket to avoid trailing wires.

Carefully consider access to the area, to ensure you can get your tree through the doors!

A themed tree with co-ordinated decorations is nice, but part of the joy of a Christmas tree is the chance to throw caution to the wind and have fun.

“More” is my favourite way to go – a tree groaning with decorations is great to encounter and the more eclectic, the merrier. Buying a few new decorations every year allows you to build up a bank of memories that can be recalled as you rediscover and rehang your decorations.

Unicorn in Dome Christmas Decoration £5.95 www.rigbyandmac.com

There is a huge debate on real verses artificial trees, but it comes down to personal convenience. A real tree gives that glorious pine fragrance throughout the house, but means more maintenance. Ensure your tree stand allows you to water it (to help keep needles intact) and keep an access route clear beneath the tree so this can be undertaken regularly. Trim ill-fitting branches to help perfect your shape.

Artificial trees are fairly maintenance-free, but invest properly in a good quality one and take a hard look at it each year to ensure it is not getting ratty – retire it in good time and get a replacement in the January sales!

Start by stringing lights – doing this before other decorations means you can remove lights easily if you have to start again. When you think you have the correct grouping stand back and look from different angles to ensure an even appearance of light throughout the tree. Don’t forget to ensure your tree topper gets a bit of that light action for effect.

Remote controlled plug sockets allow you to turn your tree lights on and off without searching around the branches helping reduce the potential for accidents. A single remote control socket is available from around £5.99.

Lay decorations out on trays and sort into sizes. Begin by hanging larger decorations at the bottom, working your way up to the top reducing the size of decorations in correlation to the length of the branches. This will ensure that you have a balanced looking tree.

Dove with Mistletoe £3.99 from Wyevale Garden Centres

Repeat the process of standing back and, looking from as many angles as possible, adjust decoration locations so that the overall effect is even to the eye. Then sit back and wait for Santa!

How did it all begin?

Having a decorated tree in a UK home dates back to the 1840s when Queen Victoria’s husband Prince Albert brought over a pine from his native Germany.

1848 Illustrated London News Sketch showing the Royal Family around the Tree

In 1848, the Illustrated London News published an illustration of the Royal Family at Windsor Castle gathered around their decorated tree.

This created a trend in fashionable homes, entirely replacing the traditional kissing bough over the next 30 or so years.

Initially, trees were decorated with real candles, sweets and cakes which were attached with ribbon. However, in around 1880 Woolworth began selling manufactured ornaments.

Jamie Hempsall Ltd is a multi-award winning interior designer consultancy. You can follow the exploits of the company on twitter @JamieHempsall or see more examples of their award winning work at www.jamiehempsall.com.

Metal is now a firm fixture in our interior design schemes, with Gold once again standing supreme against all comers. Richard Bond of Jamie Hempsall Interior Design explores the latest revival of this old friend.

From Industrial Chrome to Cool Copper, the metal finish has become firmly established in our interior design psyche over the last decade. There may have been a bit of a backlash against Gold with Copper attempting to take its mildly tarnished crown in the last couple of years, but Gold is back.

Post Modern Wall Mirror £155 from The French Bedroom Company

Once a clear indication of wealth, these days gold is attainable in interiors without the need to take out a second mortgage. Recently, gold was seen as a little brash, but this year sees its triumphal return to the interiors fold in all its shining glory.

The continued development of the market for Mid-Century Classic furniture, iadvancing from the Skandi Chic of the 1950s and 1960s to embrace the full-on hedonism of the 1970s and early 1980s is definitely a key reason for it’s resurgence.

Strong blues also continue to be an important trend in interiors colours – with key fabric collections such as Indigo by Ian Sanderson flying off the shelves (from £35/m – www.iansanderson.co.uk) – and these also play particularly well against gold finishes.

Test your tolerance with the inclusion of some gold in detailing: a rug is the perfect place to start with and the Tonquin Gold Rug by Wedgwood is an excellent example. The grey wool background providing the perfect foil for Gold Viscose and shows how to go all out chic (£349; therugseller.co.uk).

Gold Tonquin Rug by Wedgwood £349 www.therugseller.co.uk

Chair legs and side tables are also perfect solutions to introduce gold into your home. Gold metal works particularly well when is teamed with softer textures, such as velvet upholstery to avoid a harsh feel to your finish.

Mica Side Table £195 from Oliver Bonas

The High Street is offering wonderful bright gold pieces that clearly celebrate the 1970s – Oliver Bonas have some particularly good examples of geometric occasional tables, whilst the Mulberry Leaf Lounger by Graham & Greene is surely going to be an icon of this new golden age.

Mulberry Leaf Lounger £295 from Graham & Green

You can increase the intensity of your inclusion by using key feature pieces such as a large gold table lamp. It is essential to inject a bit of tongue in cheek humour here; consider pineapples or palm trees to add the perfect hint of the 1970s.

Palm Tree Solid Brass Table Lamp £295 www.cuckooland.com

If you are feeling particularly bold, then consider channelling the current 1960s Biba Revival and incorporate the Original Style Artworks Gold Half Tile, available in Sigma Gold & Jet Black, to create the perfect backdrop to a boho chic interior (£8.45 per Gold Half Tile – www.originalstyle.com).

Artworks Gold Half Tile £8.45 per tile www.originalstyle.com

It is not all about revival though, the juxtaposition of gold against modern building finishes, such as polished concrete, are also high in the design stakes. The Fusion Concrete Occasional Table from John Lewis, £99, shows just how perfect this combination can be – without breaking the bank!

The drink darlings of the 20s, 50s and 80s – the cocktail is enjoying another timely resurgence. Whilst home bars may be considered past their prime, the cocktail cabinet and trolley are definitely once more “on the up”. Richard Bond of Jamie Hempsall Interior Design considers your options.

The resurgence of the cocktail is manifesting itself in the appearance of drinks oriented furniture in the home. Sprinkle in the introduction of the seasonal gift ranges available on the High Street and you have the ideal recipe for amateur mixologists to enjoy the perfect home cocktail environment.

Sociability is one of the basic requirements of the perfect cocktail space. Half the fun of a cocktail is picking your tantalising tipple and watching a bartender mixing the magic. So, if you are creating a cocktail area within your home ensure your guests can experience the creations first hand.

Glasstini £5.95 from Red5

At its most fundamental, a cocktail space can be created in the kitchen by dedicating a cupboard to the storing of glasses, measures, shakers and bottles. The addition of a countertop ice-maker helps with the all important ice crushing (reasonably priced options are widely available so there is no need for a special freezer).

This works best in a large kitchen where you are happy for people to gather to chat and you have the ability to lose an element of cupboard space and work surface.

However, the natural home of the cocktail is the Sitting Room, where you can welcome and entertain guests in a relaxed environment. A simple, but stylish trolley is the perfect solution for the home. They take up little space and can be moved around as desired – ideal for transferring your cocktail base from room to room. Atkin and Thyme offer the chic nickel plated Riley Drinks Trolley (£299, www.atkinandthyme.co.uk) or if antiqued gold is more your style then have a look at the Luxe Drinks Trolley from www.oliverbonas.com (£350).

Riley Drinks Trolley £298

Drinks cabinets largely went out of fashion in the last couple of decades, but with the resurgent interest in all things mid 20th Century (not to mention our unending love affair with Deco) this is once again an honoured part of your entertainment space furniture.

There are terrific period finds to be upcycled from the likes of Ebay, but if you want something more contemporary then the High Street has interesting options such as the Zabel Bar Cabinet in Rosewood from Swoon Editions (£379 – www.swooneditions.com) or the Logan White Drinks Cabinet from Next (£185 – www.next.co.uk).

Classic cocktails shouts luxury and with that in mind, you might want to go the whole hog and splash out on a statement piece of furniture that creates theatre the moment you open it up. If that is the case, then the Pollock Drinks Cabinet from Julian Chichester is definitely the way to go (£6,394; www.julianchichester.com).

Pollocks Drinks Cabinet by Julian Chichester

The finishing touch has got to be your cocktail shaker and glasses – here the world really is your oyster. However, my personal favourite is Tom Dixon’s Plum range, which combines Jazz Age Class with Modern Chic in contemporary dark blue and copper tones (available from John Lewis).

Our MD, Richard Bond, shares his tips for the Perfect Bond Martini

Put your cocktail making skills to good use during the party season by perfecting the classic Bond Martin, the Vesper. This piece of cocktail history was first introduced to the UK in Ian Fleming’s 1953 novel, Casino Royale.

Dartington Crystal Bar Excellence Martini Glass £43

Ingredients:

3 oz Gordon’s Gin (Bond’s preference)

1 oz Vodka

0.5 oz Kina Lillet Blanc

Add the ingredients into a shaker, such as the Bar Craft Boston Cocktail Shaker (£17.99; www.kitchencraft.co.uk), fill with ice and shake.

Strain into a chilled cocktail glass such as the Dartington Crystal Bar Excellence Martini Glass (£43 – www.dartington.co.uk) or the quirky Glasstini from Red5.

Twist a slice of lemon peel over the drink, rub along the rim of the glass and drop in.

As nights draw in many of us wanting to give our home a facelift to remedy the Autumnal gloom. Richard Bond advises how to get a perfect finish for a paint refresh.

If you are looking to brighten up your home this autumn without a major refurbishment budget, then a fresh coat of paint can be the perfect solution; provided you are prepared to do it properly.

It doesn’t have to be about a change of colour, as just giving your room a one coat refresh helps revive your original colour and eliminates any usage marks or blemishes. However, patching rarely works as paint shades alter over time, so embrace the change and paint the entire wall.

A one coat refresh of the existing colour can revive your original shade

Take time to prepare your surfaces well, a few extra hours spent initially give a better and longer lasting finish.

If you are going to reposition artwork remove all picture hooks and repair the holes with filler. Let the filler dry and sand to a smooth finish so that your repair will be invisible once painted.

Treat small crack with filler, but large cracks should generally be considered a job for a professional – it may seem an additional expense, but it is likely to reap rewards in the long run.

Prepare woodwork properly and use Oil Eggshell for a softer finish than gloss

Woodwork preparation is vital to avoid chipping that will make your renovation look old before its time. Well-worn surfaces should be stripped with a chemical paint remover (such as Nitromors) or a hot-air paint stripper to give you a clean base. Even surfaces in good condition should have existing top coats gently sanded to a matt finish as this allows new paint to bond properly.

Apply the first coat of emulsion to your walls and, once this has dried, undercoat any woodwork. Be patient!! After this has dried, apply a second coat of emulsion and then a topcoat of your chosen woodwork finish; this ensures better definition and finish between the paints.

Your choice of paint finish is vital – things have come a long way since simple gloss or emulsion. In areas like hallways, which are prone to hard wear, use washable emulsion such as Dulux Endurance+ Matt or Zoffany Elite Emulsion. These finishes are washable and generally stain resistant.

We use oil eggshell for woodwork. The finish is softer than gloss and seems easier to apply than acrylic eggshell, which can dry very quickly and be more prone to streaking.

As with many things, cheap paint may sound a bargain, but often contains less pigment so can require more coats and be more difficult to work with. Trade up to a good quality paint such as Paint & Paper Library (www.paintandpaperlibrary.com) and not only are the colours likely to be more intense, but it should to take less time to do the job.

The new range from Paint and Paper Library from £21 for 750ml

Richard Bond is MD of multi-award winning interior designers Jamie Hempsall Ltd. Read more at www.jamiehempsall.com or follow them on twitter @JamieHempsall.

Jamie Hempsall & Richard Bond popped into BBC Radio Sheffield’s Paulette Edwards’ show again on 26th Sept 2016 discussing how our how to make your home work for you, new season’s trends and …. Lorraine Kelly’s cleavage!

All is revealed if you want to follow the link.

Follow the link, the whole show is really good, but if you do want to just hear our bit we are 01:08:47 to 01:42:06.

As we head into Autumn, Richard Bond looks at how we can get more light into our homes

As the sun begins to appear a little less each day, we can take action to ensure our homes do their best to keep our spirits high by making the most of any light sources available.

Reflection is the key way to amplify both your natural and electric light over the coming months – not to mention your good mood!

Temple bedside table in eglomise by JulianChichester

We often talk about the importance of using mirrors to help bounce light into areas that might otherwise be dark. This can be achieved not only from a simple wall hung mirror, but also by the inclusion of reflective materials in the surfaces of ornaments and furniture throughout the area.

If this sounds like a dusting and finger-mark nightmare, or you have concerns it might feel brash, you can tone down the overall effect by opting for églomisé finishes, rather the clear mirror.

Verre églomisé is a production technique where glass is gilded on the back with gold or metal leaf. It provides subtle, muted reflection. The technique has been around for centuries and was particularly popular in the 18th Century, but is experiencing a renaissance. The term now given to this technique appeared in the early 20th Century and is derived from the name of Jean-Baptiste Glomy, a French picture framer who used the process in glass mounts.

Perhaps a more cost effective way to introduce delicate reflection is to use one of the metallic or beaded papers from the latest wallpaper collections.

Nina Campbell has included a number of light reflective designs in her Coromandel Collection for Osborne & Little. Vignola (pictured) features an ornamental ogee trellis composed entirely of tiny beads, which provide delicate shimmer (£95 for a 10m roll, www.osborneandlittle.com). Her Gioconda design has flock on a reflective background generating subtle light seduction (price and details as before).

Vignola Wallpaper by Nina Campbell for Osborne & Little

Gioconda Wallpaper (also by Nina Campbell for Osborne & Little)

If you fancy something more glass oriented, then Cole & Son have launched Antique Mirror in three shades (gold, “gilver” and silver). The design shows foxed metallic panels on a foil base paper: a wonderful way to create a cost effective alternative to antique mirror tiles which would be particularly effective in hallways and bathrooms (£85 for a 10m roll, www.cole-and-son.com).

Mariinsky Antique Mirror by Cole & Son

My final wallpaper recommendation, Cilium, comes from the Anthology 04 collection and is based on an original artwork using folded and creased tissue paper. This is reproduced in small blocks, with the texture and reflectivity of the mica & metallic background vinyl providing a modern, warming surface that you want to stroke (£114 for a 10m roll, www.anthology.uk.com).

Cilium Wallpaper by Anthology

Experimentation and imagination are the key to incorporating light reflection, but the end results should reap rewards over the coming months.

Richard Bond is MD of multi-award winning interior designers Jamie Hempsall Ltd. Read more at www.jamiehempsall.com or follow them on twitter @JamieHempsall.

Summer provides the opportunity for outdoor existence, so you can upgrade your interiors without living in a building site. Richard Bond, MD of Jamie Hempsall Interior Design, grabs the chance to look at tips for remodelling your living room.

When designing a living room it is important to ensure it will be a room that can be used, rather than admired. So function and practicality are your prime concerns.

The first decision is the area of focus in your room: this is often the television, but could equally be a fireplace or picture window. Once that is identified all design considerations, especially furniture groupings, should reference it.

Provide plenty of comfortable seating in stain resistant fabrics

Your living room is likely to be your most important social space, so ensure you have plenty of comfortable, but non-bulky seating: thick arms on a sofa mean less seating area for the floor space it occupies. No matter who will be using the room, choose upholstery fabrics that are stain resistant (textured velvet hides a multitude of sins), so that you can cope with accidents that will inevitably occur.

Providing a number of occasional tables at the side of chairs will also help buy avoiding people having to stretch too far to put down drinks. It will also minimise the possibility of TV remotes and reading glasses going missing.

Place tables near electrical sockets so that you avoid trailing cable trip hazards. Alternatively, if you have remotely located tables over large floor areas, consider installing floor mounted sockets; these provide great flexibility and in the current age ensure mobile phone charging is easily to hand. With that in mind, it is also worth upgrading to electrical sockets with USB connections, to facilitate phone charging without the loss of a valuable 3 pin-socket.

Natural light is always the best environment during the day, so ensure you allow maximum light through your windows and avoid crowding them with overly fussy window dressing.

Use window treatments to frame the view & ensure you maximise natural light

Use window treatments to frame the view outside, but at the same time consider how fabrics will appear when your blinds or curtains are closed, as this is often a dominating aspect in the evening.

When it comes to decoration, wallpaper has a much softer feel than a painted surface, so if the budget can stretch opt for this. Avoid painting ceilings white, as this is extremely stark. Either tone to the wallpaper or, if your walls are painted, coat the ceiling in the same colour (with the potential of picking out coving in another accent colour – or white). Paint wood in a satin, rather than a gloss finish, to ensure sheen without shine for a more contemporary look.

Choose a mixture of overhead and table lighting to allow you to alter the feeling of the room

Overhead lighting is important, but really for the look rather than practical use as it generally forms a harsh environment. Create an intimate look for the evening, by using a mixture of wall-lights, floor lamps and table lamps. This will allow you to alter the feel of the room as required, providing maximum flexibility in one of the most vital spaces in your home.

Place a mirror opposite a window to maximise light and extend the view – image courtesy of Chiselwood Ltd

My final simple, but effective tip is to place a mirror directly opposite a window to help bring extra light & views into your living room. Placing a mirror here elongates or widens the feel of the room as your visual range is extended beyond the wall you are looking at, it brings in natural light from the outside and can give you a second chance to experience the view from the window. You may also be surprised to discover how this simple optical illusion can make your living room feel a whole lot larger – without having to extend or move (not a bad way to save on Stamp Duty!).

Jamie Hempsall Ltd is a multi-award winning interior design consultancy. You can see more of their work at www.jamiehempsall.com or follow them on twitter at @JamieHempsall.

In celebration of Tate Modern’s Henri Matisse: The Cut Outs exhibition, Richard Bond of Jamie Hempsall looks at the artist’s importance to the design world.

HENRI Émile Benoît Matisse was born in 1869 and is one of the leading figures of modern art. Importantly for today’s interiors, he is widely regarded as one of the most significant colourists of all time.

He is renowned as the leader of the short-lived, but influential French Fauvism movement, which broke with both traditional painting and Impressionist methods focusing instead on painting qualities (such as strong, obvious brush strokes) and bold colours.

Matisse: Memory of Oceania and The Snail

Bright and simple designs with bold emblems, beloved of modern retailers such as Ikea, owe a great deal to Matisse who recognised the value of decoration in modern art. He felt it unimportant for the viewer to understand the trials and tribulations of the artistic process.

Matisse used pure colours and white space to create light-filled atmospheres – a technique widely adopted in all areas of modern art – and featured contrasting areas of pure colour to add volume and structure to his pictures, rather than shading.

Equally importantly, he pioneered simple, but beautifully effective line representations of subjects. This type of decoration is one now widely favoured in poster art and especially in works by the likes of Julian Opie (who designed the dramatically simplistic band portraits for Best of Blur album cover). It is also fundamental to the Miffy illustrations by Dick Bruna.

Anyone who has been tempted by the glorious melange of colour, coupled with simplistic stripes, on Paul Smith’s signature interiors products is also seeing the direct influence of Matisse. Paul Smith considers him to be the “Boss of Colour” even 60 years after his death.

Paul Smith cites Matisse as a major influence

When ill health prevented Matisse from painting, he began to cut into painted paper with scissors to make maquettes for commissions, from books and stained-glass window designs to tapestries and ceramics. In the cut- outs series, outlines took on sculptural form. Using bright, simple blocks of colour Matisse was still able to evoke the shimmering surface of water and the lushness of vegetation.

This method of creating designs using simple representations on a contrasting plain background is now a staple of the modern interiors world. The Scion range of fabrics and wallpapers by Harlequin (especially the trademark Mr Fox) offers another wonderful example of this influence.

Mr Fox Range from Scion

If you are visiting France this summer you could head for the Chapel of the Rosary in Vence, his crowning achievement. It is a beautiful space for which Matisse created all the wall decorations, Stations of the Cross, furniture, stained- glass windows and even the vestments and altarcloths; the beauty and simplicity of which are testament to his creative genius.

■ Henri Matisse: The Cut- Outs runs at the Tate Modern gallery in London until September 7. For tickets visit www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate- modern or call 020 7887 8888.

Struggling for the perfect present? A monogramed item may be just the ticket. Interior Designer Jamie Hempsall explains their history and allure.

Never underestimate the attraction of the humble initial or monogram when it comes to creating a gorgeous Christmas gift. A carefully chosen item adorned with a personal mark will definitely set your offering apart from the norm.

The monogram has a wonderful dual role within the world of interiors. On the one hand it is a useful statement of ownership (much like the legion of name tags beleaguered Mum’s have to sew into gym kit at the beginning of school terms), yet on the other it has a true element of decorative style.

The monogram is one of the oldest methods of identification and came into use virtually as soon as the first coins were adopted as nations moved from the barter system to currency. One of the earliest examples found dates from around 350BC.

Initials have long been used by artists to identify their works and were used to authorise diplomatic documents in the Middle Ages. By the 15th Century sophisticated embroidery featuring illustration and lettering was being created by nuns for church vestments. However, in the 16th Century the Reformation saw all such adornments stripped from places of worship with the skills largely being lost as nuns fled to safety abroad.

The commercial adoption of the use of lettering for decoration began to increase in the later 16th Century when an emerging middle class wanted new ways to demonstrate their prosperity and position.

More general use of the monogram as a mark of ownership occurs in the 18th Century. By this time laundering linen was a communal activity in many places, adding an initial to your personals meant you could ensure you got back your rightful property.

The 19th Century saw the introduction of more sophisticated monogram designs and books of embroidery models began to be published in Europe. This marked the beginning of a greater adoption of embroidery and the monogram throughout society. Many continental girls were then being taught to sew and embroider at school with the skill becoming valued in higher circles as a symbol of both refinement and social stature.

Specific rules were applied to both the development of a monogram and also its position on an article such as a handkerchief (the Victorian convention states the surname initial should be larger and in the middle of a grouping with the forenames placed either side: so Jamie L Hempsall would be jHl ). However, this Christmas it is all about a grabbing a glorious initial and delivering it to your loved one.

You will have to be quick though, because cut offs are generally over the next 48 hours. However, there is still time to choose something spectacular.

There are a number of specialist sites on the internet where you can obtain initial based products, here are a few I think will make perfect gifts:The website Jonny’s Sister has an amazing range of gifts which can be personalised. Their chunky white wooden letters are ideal for use as initials or for creating words or phrases to brighten up your home. (£6.95 each; jonnyssister.co.uk – 01935 873186).

Wall letters from www.jonnyssister.co.uk

You cannot go wrong with candles and these are extra special. Personalised grapefruit scented candles in glass tumblers (£22.50 for a pair; shoponyourdoorstep.com – 01843 808061).

There is something organic about the permanent nature of an engraved natural stone pebble. The perfect heartfelt keepsake for the side of the bed or on display in the bathroom (£14 each; letterfest.com – 01271 861825).

Engraved natural stone pebble www.letterfest.com

Mark the season (or a special occasion) with a beautiful initial heart hanging decoration created in rich velvet and adorned with gold trim (£8 each; theletteroom.com – 01264 326339).

Velvet initial heart from www.theletteroom.com

Happy last minute shopping!

Signature Range In Store

Initial gifts are not just found on the internet. The Rug Company at George Smith in Harrogate have just introduced the beautiful Alphabet crewelwork cushion range designed by Sue Timney. Each cushion in the range is a considerable 56cm square and has been meticulously hand-embroidered using the finest wool. The single letter is generally highlighted in one of a range of fresh, modern colours and is set against the background of one of Sue Timney’s signature monochrome stripes or exotic patterns. They are wonderfully tactile and distinctly impressive (£95 each; The Rug Company at George Smith, Harrogate – 01423 275225).

Sue Timney’s Alphabet crewelwork cushion range is available from The Rug Company at George Smith in Harrogate

Sleep easy: Clockwise from top left, Aerobed raised double air bed, from £139.99, Sofa.com Stella two-seater sofa bed, from £995; House by John Lewis Smart Large Sofa Bed, Steel, £299; Jaybe Oasis Folding Bed and Headboard from House of Bath, £229.

As we all prepare for the arrival of family over the festive period, Interior designer Jamie Hempsall gives his advice on extra beds.

We are shortly approaching the period when our homes will be stretched to capacity as friends and family are welcomed across the threshold with many staying over as festive cheer kicks in.

The key to a successful visit is ensuring that guests enjoy their slumbers and do not have to sleep on uncomfortable floors or lumpy sofas. A good night’s sleep can pay dividends for the host as you stand a greater chance of guests waking up bright and early to help with all the clearing up (well, you can at least make a special Christmas wish for that to happen!).

In my opinion, one of the most useful inventions of recent years is the inflatable mattress (with an integrated electric pump – ensuring that you can put them up quickly and easily). These are no longer the uncomfortable lilos they used to be, many are sophisticated products with features such as “no roll together” zones and strengthened edges. Rather than requiring your guests to scrabble about on the floor, some models are now available the same height as a normal bed, which is particularly helpful for elderly or less abled users.

The key advantage of airbeds is they usually fold up to the size of a medium size holdall for easy storage in a loft or cupboard, but offer sleeping room equivalent to a full-size bed. Consider solutions from Aerobed (£139.99 for a full height double – www.aerobed.co.uk) or Bestway (available from a variety of retailers including www.very.co.uk).

Aerobed raised double air bed

The traditional z-bed seems to be undergoing a renaissance as people again realise how comfortable they are. The more expensive models feature mattresses that would rival a normal bed. A double bed can be more difficult to store, but if you have easy access to an attic area (or a good space at the end of a bed with a cover hiding the z-bed underneath) then these are a serious option (£229 for a Jaybe double bed with slatted base and headboard from www.houseofbath.co.uk – 0871 230 0867).

Jaybe Oasis Folding Bed and Headboard

Chair beds are especially practical in a child’s or teenager’s bedroom where they will live up to their full potential as an everyday piece of furniture. They are also likely to have plenty of use throughout the year as you find yourself welcoming over a few more school friends.

Up until a couple of years ago chair beds were the poor relation of the sofa bed primarily available in brightly coloured foam block forms, aimed firmly at the youth market. However, in the last few years their value has clearly been recognised, foam block models are now available in more sophisticated colours (such as the Chocolate Single Chair Bed Sofa from Argos, £39.99). In addition, you can find examples such as the Leader Lifestyle Rita Faux Leather Chair Bed that would make a good occasional chair in any location (£224; www.furniturecountrywide.co.uk – 0845 6 777008).

Rita Faux Leather Futon Chair Bed

The option of sleeping on sofas need not be a bad one, provided you have invested in a good quality sofa bed. The only disadvantage for the guest is that generally sofa beds take up a considerable amount of space and, therefore, are likely to be somewhere such as the Sitting Room which is right in the middle of all the action at Christmas.

The sofa bed is now an integral part of many manufacturers’ ranges so you can find most styles from the traditional, such as the Stella from Sofa.com (from £995) to the ultra modern House by John Lewis Napa Sofa Bed (£299; www.johnlewis.com). Always remember the dual purpose and take time to make your choice to suit both style and comfort needs effectively, rather than opting for a compromise.

Whatever sleep solution you decide upon, send your guests off to bed with toastie hot water bottles to ensure you give them a warm and cosy festive night to remember for all the right reasons.

Choosing The Best Sofa Bed

The key to choosing a good sofa bed is comfort. Consider the depth of the mattress as some are too thin and you might as well sleep on the floor.

In addition, check the width of the actual bed area as frames have to fit inside the sofa. A two-seater sofa is unlikely to result in a full double bed so opt for a three seater if budget and space allow.

Above all, test your sofa-bed for suitability the way you would any settee to ensure you avoid buying an option that does not satisfy sleep and seating requirements perfectly.

Creating a room from scratch is exciting. Interior Designer Jamie Hempsall demonstrates how an extension is the ideal chance to develop your perfect living space.

This extension was created for a manor house that dates back to 1500 and demonstrates how you can overcome issues with your home, by creating an area specific to your needs.

The client had lived in the property for twenty years, but as their children had all now left they were originally considering whether to move.

One of the principal issues with the house was that small windows did not afford the best views of the extensive gardens. This had been a compromise the owners were prepared to make whilst the rest of the house suited their needs, but now needed addressing.

We were engaged alongside a firm of architects to develop a solution. The first consideration was the positioning of the extension. The team wanted to create a room that could be used throughout the day so it was decided to locate the new room off the kitchen, which was a pivotal area in the house.

The space to created a “day suite” – a combined kitchen, casual dining and living room that allowed the householder to spend their entire day in a peaceful and naturally lit area.

To address the issue of garden views, the room had two full walls of well-insulated windows, stretching as far to the floor as possible. The resulting natural light compensated for the smaller windows elsewhere in the home and promoted a feeling of harmony.

The window treatments for this area needed to be flexible, providing privacy when required, but not overcrowding the space so it still felt open. As the room was not overlooked there was no need for blackout, so we used ivory linen-effect pinch pleat voiles to create simple sun-shade. Both the voile tracks and roof blinds were electronically operated to ensure the room and views could be simple transformed.

The house benefitted from high ceilings, but the extension gave the opportunity to create a double-height space to add theatre. Large feature chandeliers were used to emphasise the grandeur of the space, making it perfect for entertaining more formally. The modern chandelier design held echoes of antiquity to provide reference to the original areas of the property.

A series of high-level spots allowed the natural bright lighting levels to be maintained if required and table lamps on a 5-amp lamp circuit were included to facilitate the creation of a more intimate space in the evening. The pottery lamps also had a feeling of heritage to provide links with other decoration in the home.

It is important to provide reference to your original building without necessarily recreating period features and to this end natural jura limestone flooring was used in this garden room. The limestone had heavy natural veining to add a feeling of solidity. The floor was then taken through the kitchen and the adjoining dining room in a continuous pattern. Linking the floor in this way created a natural sight path between the areas and a cohesive link between old and new.

Warm, but neutral “Paris Grey” emulsion from Zoffany was teamed with their “Architect’s White” as a calming backdrop that picked up on accents within the flooring.

We wanted to avoid the area feeling too sterile, which is a danger when using neutral tones and natural finishes. So we introduced drama and texture in the furnishings.

The bespoke burnt orange sofas used foam-feather wrap cushions to provide exceptional comfort without the need to constantly fluff to keep them looking smart as ease of maintenance is also key to a successful day room.

The apparently heavy armchairs in textured velvet have a concealed swivel base, allowing occupants to easily turn the chairs to survey the garden and then return to the intimacy of the salon. The velvet was also used in the bespoke ottoman, to provide a link between the furniture. The ottoman also featured an integrated granite top to allow it to be used both as a seat and a useful coffee table.

Under-floor heating was used throughout this space to ensure clean sight lines and the perfect temperature to enjoy the room all year round.

A Comfortable Way To Dine

Everyday dining should be as comfortable as more formal occasions, so we favour seats that embrace the diner and allow for a long dining duration. The bespoke chairs we included in this design are curved to provide great back support and have plenty of padding in the seat. Using two-texture upholstery is a great way of adding interest to a chair. In this instance we combined Osborne & Little’s great faux leather Sellier and with their Aldwych textured vinyl in metallic colours to add a dash of daytime dining glamour. The table is by Julian Chichester.

More time outside means more dirt trampled inside. Interior Designer Jamie Hempsall looks how the humble mat can save the day.

Well we can relax a bit as we get used to a longer bit of British Summer with the chance to spend more time al fresco. However, the move outdoors brings the chance of a bit more dirt and grime travelling indoors as people nip in and out.

Hardly the biggest problem in the world and one easily overcome with the introduction of a floor mat. This is particularly important in areas such as patio doors that open directly on a carpeted sitting room, as dirt can become ground in.

Here is where those offcuts you have been saving since you had a fitted carpet can be put to good use. Cut a rectangle as wide as the door-frame and about 50cm deep (to allow for people stepping onto it without difficulty), keep in good condition by shaking out regularly and with the occasion vacuum and you will be able to save your carpet underneath.

Alternatively, if you want to create an impact, now is the time to invest in a doormat. These capture dirt on the way in; avoiding it being trampled too far into the house. Mats also ensure surfaces immediately inside your door do not suffer too much wear and tear.

When it comes to choosing a door mat there are two important considerations, before design: firstly, is it safe? It may sound an odd question, but you need to ensure that the backing is appropriate to avoid your mat slipping against the surface you are placing it on. Slip related injuries in the home are often caused by mats placed on hard floors without any grip and if this is the destination opt for a solution with an anti-slip backing.

The second consideration is how easy it is to clean. There is nothing worse than a grubby mat at a doorway. It is something everyone sees as they enter your home and, if you cannot do anything about it, can be a very depressing site for the homeowner. If you are not going to be able to clean the mat regularly, ensure the colour and pattern will do a good enough job for you to minimise the appearance of dirt.

After those considerations indulge in some design fun. A mat can be a temporary measure replaced with minimal hassle, so you can afford to go a little mad. Consider them your comment on the world!

There is a fair degree of humour to be had in the world of the doormat and one of the most British of these has to be the Moustache Doormat, which does exactly what it says on the tin. These certainly brighten up a tired doorway. At £26 they will also not break the bank (www.thegreatgiftcompany.com).

Moustache Doormat from The Great Gift Company

Similarly appealing to our great British sense of humour has to be the “Nice to see you…to see you nice” mat which cheekily hijacks our veteran entertainer’s catchphrase to good ends (£19.95 – www.hunkydoryhome.co.uk).

Sir Bruce Forsyth’s catchphrase inspired this mat from the hunkydoryhome

If you are a fan of the saucy humour of the great British postcard then why not opt for a little double entendre. The “Touch me I want to feel dirty” Door Mat by Parlane is a hardwearing navy and cream design with a black rubber reverse for non-slip use (£20.00 – www.home-treats.co.uk).

‘Touch Me I Want to Feel Dirty’ Door Mat by Parlane

Should you wish to choose your own words, then opt for a Personalised Door Mat in PVC backed coir. You have up to 3 lines and 12 characters per line – so get creative (£29.99 – www.gettingpersonal.co.uk).

Alternatively, you may not be able to grow roses around your door, but you can certainly have them on a mat without too much bother on the “Home Sweet Home” mat for that Country Cottage feel (£12 www.mandco.com).

Home Sweet Home mat from M&Co

When the summer is over you can relax, safe in the knowledge your floors are still in pristine condition!

Fancy Shelling Out For A Turtle

The Turtle Mat Company has been producing doormats since 1994. Their products are made of absorbent cotton that gives an unusual and appealing finish that is easily washable. The range of sizes available means their mats are also suitable for use in bigger areas such as conservatories and utility rooms.

The company regularly works with leading artists, such as Richard Bramble, to produce special editions and currently features collections with as diverse a range of partners as Imperial War Museums, Historic Royal Palaces, The National Trust, The RHS and Country Living.

The mat featured is the Hares from the Country Living Collection (£49.95 – www.turtlemat.co.uk).

With Wimbledon commencing thoughts have to be turning to strawberries, cream and Outdoor dining, interior designer Jamie Hempsall creates the perfect environment.

When it comes to the summer, we Brits are a hardy lot and venture out when many would be tucked up indoors. The secret to our adaptability has got to be jolly thick skin and a great deal of preparation so we can drop everything and create an outdoor spectacle at a moment’s notice.

With this in mind, I thought it would be good to look at some options to create the perfect setting for a summer picnic (even if it does end up having to be taken on the sitting room floor!). So here goes…

No picnic worth it’s salt looks right without an attractive rug as its centrepiece. For convenience opt for a rug with an integrated ground sheet, however I have found the majority of these have very traditional designs. If you visit your local camping specialist you can get a relatively cheap ground sheet to go under your rug or throw which enables you to use anything you fancy and opens you up to a world of design opportunity.

When it comes to seating avoid scatter cushions an opt for thicker cushions made specifically for sitting on the ground such as the Ellora Floor Cushion from Oscar & Eve (£44.95; www.oscarandeve.co.uk – 0208 993 7639). These are also ideal to take to summer concerts to avoid the chill setting in.

However, if you want something a bit more Mad Hatter, then the UK designed Tea Cup Stool originally inspired by Alice in Wonderland is definitely the one for you. It stands 41cm high (at 5kg in weight is probably one for the garden, rather than a trip out). It is made from PVC and comes in six different colours, so you can create a multi-colour harlequinade of seating (£140; www.great-british-designs.co.uk – 0800 148 8307)

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Tea Cup Stool from Great British Designs

I have to say that my choice of eating dishes depends entirely upon location. If I am holding a garden picnic then I revel in the opportunity of using vintage china. We are not talking fine family heirlooms here, this is an area where a good Charity or Junk Shop rummage can lead to wonderful assortment of fine china with florals and light patterns, maybe even a bit of gold detailing, for a very minimal price. You can have great fun putting together an eclectic set and will not need to worry if anything gets broken given the price points. Combine this with low, wide flat-based tumblers (whatever your tipple) as these are less likely to fall over.

If your trip is going to take you to the great outdoors, then I would opt for enamel mugs, plates and bowls. They are lightweight, durable and very easy to transport. Your local camping shop should be able to help you or you can head over to Baker & Bell to sample their range of traditional designs starting at £3 for a dinner plate (www.bakerandbell.com – 01962 841100).

We would not be British though if we did not hope for the best, but plan for the worst. So whatever your outdoor plans, you may want to ensure that you have some sort of rain (or sun) shade close to hand. A particularly stylish option is the Portable Pyramid Ivory Shade Sail Kit. The beautifully different design is more gazebo than tent and packs away neatly into a handy carry bag (£129.95 – www.primrose.co.uk – 01189 035210).

Portable Pyramid Ivory Shade Sail Kit from Primrose

Flying The Flag With Pure Wool

My favourite throw this season is from renowned hand-embroidery designer Jan Constantine. She is famous for her patriotic designs and has collaborated with Pimms, the drinks company synonymous with summer, to create a Union Flag based design in pure wool, which features a rather delicious looking strawberry and the company’s logo. It would be difficult to get any more quintessentially British than this combination.

Much like the availability of sun this year, the limited edition appliqued wool throw will only be available for a very short time (£200; www.janconstantine.com – 01270 821 194).

Want to decorate a room, but need inspiration? In the second part of his article Interior Designer Jamie Hempsall explains the importance of keeping an open mind.

In our last column, we looked at where you could physically find inspiration, but for this to work you must view things with a fresh pair of eyes. Consider this..

EVERYDAY LIFE

Try stepping back from the task at hand (i.e. a trip to the shops) and consider your environment – not just the traffic. Look out for colours or textures that catch your eye and use them as the base for an overall colour scheme.

Once in a store look at displays and feel the texture of things around you. Window-shopping is generally free and by browsing outside your comfort zone you might experience a texture you had never considered or a fabric used in an unusual way. Merchandising displays are carefully planned, so look at the tricks that have been used. The success of a design is often in the detail – little items that appear inconsequential, but actually meld the scheme together.

SPECIAL EVENTS OR EXPERIENCES

Again when visiting restaurants and hotels take a moment away from your experience and drink in the environment. These areas are rarely left to chance so borrow some of those ideas, particularly clever use of layout and lighting design (which special environments use to create the perfect mood).

Many people think when the central lampshade is up, the job is over, but lighting needs to be carefully considered. If a room is used throughout the day, different groupings (wall, ceiling, table lamps) help create different experiences. You will find ideal examples of this in multi-purpose hotel venues.

Restaurants and hotels are also fantastic for ideas on styles of seating and tables that are not your standard High Street offering. This is the opportunity to benefit from the thought processes of some very careful designers.

Also, look to at how they layer different but complementing items together (for instance carpets and rugs with wood or tiled floors) for maximum effect.

REFERENCE TRIPS

Art exhibitions are another great source of inspiration – particularly how colours work together. Choose a favoured painting and try to identify what it is you like or dislike and use that knowledge to develop your scheme.

Galleries of china and porcelain are also good sources for style and colour. Do not just consider the individual items, but look at how they are grouped together. You will quickly see it is not always necessary to match tone or style through out a scheme. In fact, a total match often looks contrived and impersonal.

OTHER REFERENCE SOURCES

These can be more random options, so take time to search and explore. Do not be afraid to bury yourself in detail.

If you are using the internet, avoid just opting for the page one search results, but look at links and allow yourself to delve deeper. Remember to print or save pages so that you can re-visit areas to avoid wasted effort.

Interiors magazines are always a good starting point, but fashion photography is a wonderful source of style, colour and textures. They are current and the photos are carefully orchestrated (fashion stylists can also be your key to understanding why the little things matter). They can also be great to consider when theming or giving the room a mood or certain style.

Reality Check

When all this lovely sourcing and dreaming is done, it is time to take stock and apply the inspirations to the actual project. In reality you may have to work with existing flooring or furniture. The important thing is not to consider these a hindrance, but something to be embraced.

Options are often easier with furniture that can be renovated or re-upholstered. Unless you are looking at a priceless antique consider updating furniture with different finishes or colours to make them more contemporary.

If you are working with a multi-coloured object as your base (perhaps a rug or vase), but do not like the main colour, look at the lesser background colours to find something that appeals. Picking one of these as a highlight tone will help emphasise them in your scheme and add a professional twist to your design.

Once you have these thoughts set in your mind begin collecting images and samples to form the basis of your design board.

Turning Inspiration Into Design

There are a few tips to help you translate inspiration into a design:

Seek advice, but do not ask the world and his wife. Design by committee rarely succeeds.

Mix styles and periods – good design or quality usually stands the test of time.

Don’t rush your design, but avoid procrastination. When you are happy with something stick with it and move on.

Don’t be afraid to throw out an idea that is not working.

Stay strong –mistakes are made when people lose confidence and dilute a design. Have courage!

The Nursery Paint Company’s paints are derived from soya beans and are VOC-free

Being a new parent is a wonderful time in anyone’s life, but it also brings a new level of concern as you try to create the safest environment for your child.

At a time when nesting instincts are highest, and a decorating frenzy likely, these niggles can cause people to question the paint they are going to use for the nursery or young child’s bedroom and even generally around the house.

We also all know the discomfort that can be caused when paint fumes invade your home and for expectant Mum’s this can be a particular problem.

Response to these issues has gathered momentum over the last decade, resulting in both specialist and mainstream manufacturers taking measures to embrace solutions, by varying routes.

At times like this not only colour, but the nature of paint take on paramount importance. One particular term that you may encounter is VOC or Volatile Organic Compounds; referring to the way a product evaporates in ordinary room temperature conditions.

There is much talk about potential impacts these can have on our health, but we all encounter VOCs regularly in our daily lives. However, it can be an extra tick in the box to know that you are using a low or no VOC product, so check the label carefully.

Another mark to consider is the EU Ecolabel or certification of child safety under BS EN 71-3:1995 (‘Toy Paint Regulations’) which show the paint has been tested to the highest standard.

One person who knows the challenge of finding the perfect product is Helen Thompson. Helen founded the Nursery Paint Company as a reaction to her inability to find an appropriately natural paint when she was pregnant with her first child.

She developed her own natural range of paint made from Soya Beans. The paints are VOC free and have achieved BS EN 71-3:1995. Initially starting with a range of twenty strong colours, the range has proved so successful that last week saw the introduction of a further twenty nine shades.

Helen feels that the whole experience of paint choice should not only be safe and as natural as possible, but also great fun – reflected in shade names such as Ga Ga Grey and Rosie Cheeks. Parents clearly share Helen’s enthusiasm as her range was awarded Best Maternity Product 2012 from Loved By Parents. (www.nurserypaint.co.uk – 01302 719918).

Helen Thompson of the Nursery Paint Company

Another company passionate about the natural quality of their paints are Earthborn, who were actually the UK’s first paint brand to be awarded BS EN 71-3:1995. This was upgraded last year to include their eggshell paints.

Earthborn topped off the year with a House Beautiful Gold Award for Best Wallcovering for its Claypaint range on account of its beautiful finish and unique formulation. It is the latter that makes them different from more standard paint and also results in a VOC free product that can still satisfy all the uses of traditional emulsion.

Earthborn New Colours 2013

The range features sixty colours and is targeted throughout the home, not just in the nursery. Of particular interest to readers might be their hues such as Inglenook and Tuffet inspired by the Yorkshire Moors and images of dark, dramatic skies, hearty walks in the great outdoors and plenty of fresh air (www.earthbornpaints.co.uk – 01928 734171).

Earthborn New Colours 2013

Child Safe Paints are not just the preserve of specialist companies; as the Little Greene Paint company will tell you. Their water based products (Intelligent Matt Emulsion; Intelligent Eggshell and Absolute Matt Emulsion) have also all received BS EN71-3:1995 accreditation. These finishes contain less than 0.1% VOC which is three times better than the lowest eco rating available, so is pretty impressive stuff.

The intelligent finishes are designed to stand up to the extra wear and tear of family living; marks can be washed off with soapy water to make life a little easier in those hectic periods. The finishes are available in all their range colours (www.littlegreene.com – 0845 880 5855).

If after all this, you are worried that you may be sacrificing finish for eco-credentials, then a sample of any of the ranges discussed will assure you that these products are big and bold; providing great colour coverage without having to apply a myriad of coats.

Little Greene Child Safe Paint Tester Pots and Child Friendly Water Based Paints can stand up to the wear and tear of family life

Intelligent An Water Based

Child Safe Paints are not just the preserve of specialist companies; as the Little Greene Paint company will tell you. Their water based products (Intelligent Matt Emulsion; Intelligent Eggshell and Absolute Matt Emulsion) have also all received BS EN71-3:1995 accreditation. These finishes contain less than 0.1% VOC which is three times better than the lowest eco rating available, so is pretty impressive stuff.

The intelligent finishes are designed to stand up to the extra wear and tear of family living; marks can be washed off with soapy water to make life a little easier in those hectic periods. The finishes are available in all their range colours (www.littlegreene.com – 0845 880 5855).

If after all this, you are worried that you may be sacrificing finish for eco-credentials, then a sample of any of the ranges discussed will assure you that these products are big and bold; providing great colour coverage without having to apply a myriad of coats.

Eco Credentials

The EU Ecolabel (BS EN7 1-3:1995) is a demanding accreditation standard, designed for paint used on children’s toys that are likely to be subject to sucking or chewing.

However, manufacturers recognise that if their product is safe to this level, it will be ideal for decorating a wall (which hopefully will not receive such abuse).

Achieving the standard is a rigorous process, which can take up to two years, but it is well worth looking for as it is a certification that the paint has been proved safe from eight toxic metals (including arsenic, cadmium lead, barium, mercury and chromium).

WELCOME TO EASTER: Hand-painted Bunny Egg Cup from Laura Lee Design, top left; Galvanised metal is a nice touch, Retreat-Home has a range of pots and jugs embossed with a little hen, from £6.99, right; Decorative Easter eggs from Very Nice Things, above left; Rabbit Cupboard Knob from Monty’s Vintage Shop is a small touch that can add some cheer to the home.

It may not feel like it but Easter is just around the corner. Interior Designer Jamie Hempsall gives his tips on seasonal goodies.

Easter is coming as a bit of a shock this year, not just because it is so early, but it is difficult to contemplate when we continue to be barraged by snow flurries. The prospect of spring blooms and bright sunshine seem a million miles away. However, even though Mother Nature is not playing her part, why not embrace the season with gusto and add a bit of Easter emphasis to our interior schemes?

Seasonal decoration schemes are beginning to seep into the British Psyche, with Halloween nearly as firm a fixture as Christmas. Easter decorations seem to have been more prevalent in mainland Europe, but now that tradition is gradually emerging in UK households.

Spring Wreaths are a nice way of welcoming a visitor (and the Spring Season) into your home. They are increasingly forming part of many florists’ ranges and help to ease the departure of the Christmas Wreath, which can leave front doors looking a little under-dressed. An example like the Easter Wreath from Velvet Brown is made with fresh foliage, herbs and moss, and then dressed with faux flowers and ribbon. The company say that when hung outside at this time of year each wreath should last for several weeks (£49; www.velvetbrown.co.uk – 01844 278866).

An Easter wreath from Velvet Brown

We like to add to the Easter theme by decorating a tree which we keep in a small courtyard visible from the kitchen, other friends have begun adopting this idea and so we have seen Easter trees popping up in hallways and living rooms – as well as outside the odd front door. I use an interesting twig as a base (such as a twisted willow), but sprouting green bushes and drab green shrubs are also super. Dress your tree with coloured egg shapes: the brighter the hue of the eggs, the bigger the injection of Spring. Create a massive impact using wonderful Glass Decorative Eggs from Very Nice Things (£4; www.verynicethings.co.uk – 01772 600904).

Decorative Easter eggs from Very Nice Things

Spring touches throughout the home help to add a bit of cheer on grey mornings, so it can be fun to introduce little mementos in unexpected places. Although these can be temporary additions, it is nice to do something more permanent to add a hint of quirkiness into your scheme. It does not have to be a huge statement – small touches that are not immediately obvious often have the best result. I have a feeling that children will be thrilled at discovering the ceramic Rabbit Cupboard Knob either used in their own bedroom or as part of a fun scheme in the kitchen (£15; www.montysvintageshop.co.uk – 01889 581 225).

Rabbit Cupboard Knob from Monty’s Vintage Shop

Cookware and crockery also rank high in areas where you can add a bit of seasonal cheer. Low price points often mean that is not too onerous to have a few special pieces that can get packed away when the Easter Bunny has departed to be delightfully revealed the following year as part of your seasonal decorating traditions.

French farm chic has been around for years and definitely adds an element of the outdoors inside. Galvanised metal is a particularly nice touch in a spring interior as it is beautiful, yet also incredibly practical. Retreat-Home has a range of pots and jugs embossed with a little hen – perfect for the inner farmer in even the most committed of urbanites (from £6.99; www.retreat-home.com – 01628 471056).

Retreat-Home has a range of pots and jugs embossed with a little hen, from £6.99

The most intimate touch for seasonal dressing has got to be the family eating area and what better way to add some Easter joy by serving vegetable coloured boiled eggs in a selection of new Egg Cups? My particular Easter favourites are the Hand Painted Bunny Egg Cups from the Cornish Studio of Laura Lee (£8.50; www.lauraleedesigns.co.uk – 07805 066417). Laura Lee will be at the British Craft Trade Fair in Harrogate (7th – 9th April).

Hand-painted Bunny Egg Cup from Laura Lee Design

Chat To Designer At Live Event

Yorkshire Post Magazine Live

We are very excited to be appearing at Yorkshire Post Magazine Live in April. We are currently putting the finishing touches to our room set designed especially for the event. We will be on hand throughout the weekend to chat and offer a bit of advice where we can. There will also be three Jamie Hempsall hints and tips sessions in the demonstration each day, where readers will be able to gain some special insight into his unique approach to interior design.

Yorkshire Post Live takes place at The Pavillions of Harrogate on 13th & 14th April.

Having a designer label in the home no longer means that you must break the bank. Interior Designer Jamie Hempsall explains why.

When it comes to High End design the sky really is the limit – beautiful bespoke pieces cost eye-watering amounts. However, over the last few years a growing number of High End designers have recognised the importance of good design throughout the home. They have begun working with High Street names to create great quality, exquisitely designed ranges to ensure all of us can get a bit of that designer glamour.

Probably one of the best examples is the “Designers at Debenhams” range (launched twenty years ago this Autumn comprising just two ranges of clothing). These days the retailer has a host of interiors items (from bedding and accessories to furniture and lighting) bearing the names of John Rocha, Betty Jackson, Jasper Conran, Ben de Lisi and Julian MacDonald: a veritable galaxy of stars of the design world. Ranges such as this are key in pushing the boundaries and moving our interiors forward in leaps and bounds without breaking the bank.

A design name synonymous with good taste and quality has to be Conran, a dynasty that has single-handedly revolutionised the way Brits shop for their homes. The patriarch, Sir Terence Conran, founded Habitat in 1964 with an ethos of providing democratically designed pieces of exceptional quality aimed at the young home-owner. His Conran Store is definitely high-end, but his latest range for Marks & Spencer harks back to his egalitarian beginnings (particularly with its on trend 1960s retro feel of blond woods and simple lines).

M&S Conran Home range harks back to the beginnings of the famous Conran brand

His children have all carried on the mantel, son Jasper Conran is firmly entrenched with Debenhams and also designs tableware for Wedgewood. This must inspire a little sibling rivalry with both his sister, Sophie, who designs cookware, tableware and accessories for Portmeirion and brother Sebastian, who has created a boutique range of exquisitely crafted small electrical appliances, kitchenware and furniture for John Lewis.

Soft furnishings and fabrics have always held a particular appeal for designers with a number creating ranges for the domestic market. Osborne and Little have worked with Nina Campbell for a number of years resulting in beautifully crafted, classic designs. Designers Guild collaborates with both Christian Lacroix and William Yeoward.

Chairs from William Yeoward’s Astasia and Monsoreto Collections

Lacroix creates ranges of fabrics, wallpapers and accessories of immense fun for the brave at heart. These contrast beautifully with the Yeoward Collections whose understated elegance give a wonderful peak into the world of his Kings Road showroom with its exquisite furniture, lighting and amazing crystal.

Lacroix’s fabric book for Designers Guild

French fabric house, Lelievre, boast collections by Sonia Rykiel and former “enfant terrible” of the fashion world, Jean Paul Gaultier.

As with anything, it is how you use it and with some designer ranges less can truly be more, but look out for those top end names to ensure a High Street treat for the interior senses.

Hallam Goes Gothic With Oka Range

Oka have scored quite a coup by securing the services of internationally renowned interior designer Nicky Haslam to create a bespoke capsule range which is launched this month. “Nicky Haslam for OKA” comprises a collection of striking pieces of gothic-style furniture with medieval architectural influences in natural colours as well as colour fabrics, cushions and home accessories.

The range gives clear indications of its impeccable pedigree by combining a strong sense of style with unusual shapes and intricate details. The collection has a solid hint of Gothic revival and should definitely appeal to those seeking glamour and passion (www.okadirect.com).

Is your home bursting at the seams and in need of a declutter? Interior Designer Jamie Hempsall gives his advice on stylish storage.

Following the usual present haul many households will be straining to find places to store the extra items that have been gifted to them.

Every home can benefit from hidden storage, as it ensures that the overall appearance of your room remains clutter free (even if the drawers may contain a nightmare of debris!), making cleaning easier and creating a more relaxing environment.

Dual-purpose furniture with integrated storage is a perfect way to help maximise the space available to you. The first option we look to include is an ottoman or trunk style furniture in place of the traditional coffee or occasional tables. These are ideal for storing larger items such as games and toys making them perfect for households with younger children, where the adults might enjoy a “Bob the Builder” free environment in the evening. Your local upholsterer is a good place to start as they can create bespoke pieces for you that will meet your exact size needs, covered in a fabric that will match your scheme perfectly. With the ability to create designs in fabric covered MDF you should find this a cost efficient solution.

Alternatively, the rise of industrial chic in the last couple of years means that there are plenty of trunk style pieces now on the market, which combine extra storage without compromising on style. Consider options such as the Bashment Industrial Green Metal Coffee Table (£295; www.alexanderandpearl.co.uk – 0208 508 0411).

We use a similar trick in teenage and adult bedrooms where an upholstered bucket style stool with integrated storage makes a much more space efficient option than a standard chair. A nice example is the Lida Velvet Stool (£193.00; www.thevelvetlab.com – 01282 471610).

Lida Aubergine Velvet Stool With Removable Lid & Storage

With floor space accounted for, look to your walls to provide some additional space. Standard book shelving is an traditional choice, but this is definitely an area to think outside the box both in terms of the items that you may want to consider storing on the wall and how you wish to display them.

The main problem with wall storage is that it is extremely obvious and creates an immediate impression for your room. Therefore, items need to be neatly stored for both visual appeal and safety. However, consider using a selection of different width shelves to provide flexible, stylish storage. A great example of this is the Storage Ladder, which takes inspiration from the traditional step ladder (£225; www.burford.co.uk – 01993 823117).

The Burford Garden Company Storage Ladder offers a selection of shelves of different widths in a design inspired by a step ladder

Alternatively, use a group floating drawer units such as the Pacco by Mocha fora combination of traditional shelving with hidden drawers. This gives the added benefit of discrete storage for clutter or to keep personal items out of site (£59.99; www.mocha.co.uk – 0209 953 8333). They also work brilliantly as suspended bedside tables.

A common storage problem is footwear, which takes up a lot of space and may be used infrequently. So why not consider making this a feature? Display infrequently worn specimens on angled shelving placed higher up on walls or above doors – effectively reclaiming lost space in the home. Alternatively, for those shoes you need regular access to make the shelf the star and consider an option such as the Nest Wall Mounted Vertical Shoe Rack, which holds the shoe by the toe within a free flowing stainless steel form (£75; www.alltidiedandlitup.co.uk – 01462 349060).

The Nest Wall Mounted Vertical Shoe Rack is one handy solution to the problem of storing footwear

Invest in your bedroom to ensure you start and finish your day in the right way. Interior designer Jamie Hempsall gives his advice.

In the midst of winter when our hibernating instinct seems to be at its most primeval, there can be nothing better than a bit of extra time in bed. Whether you are early to bed or early to rise, comfort and order are the two most important things in any bedroom to ensure a good night’s sleep.

It might sound frivolous, but keeping a tidy and well-decorated bedroom can be extremely advantageous. Of all the rooms in your home, your bedroom is the one you are likely to spend the most time in – albeit much of it unconscious. However, it is the crucial minutes before you nod off and as you awake that can drastically affect your temperament and are, therefore, well worth investing some time, effort and a bit of money in.

A tidy room with a well co-ordinated scheme has a surprisingly calming effect on most people – working both to put you in the right mind-set for a good night’s rest, as well as waking you up without any hideous assault on the senses.

Start by keeping clutter to a minimum. A bedroom may be “out of sight” to the general populace, but you have to think of yourself as its most important visitor. Being greeted by an array of drying washing, ironing boards or clothes thrown over chairs is very unsettling to most of us, even if it is subconscious.

Take a bit of extra time to hang things up early evening to avoid stimulating yourself just before you go to bed. Also ensure that you provide storage to tidy away clutter – even if it means having a “messy” draw where you merely throw everything in to keep your bed and surfaces visually appealing.

Order and symmetry in a double bedroom also ease the mind, so it is worth investing to ensure that you have matching bedside tables and lamps when setting up your bedroom.

Most adult rooms have little use during the daytime, so it can be a good idea to concentrate on creating an environment that looks at its best at night. Choosing rich, dark pigments and heavier, tactile fabrics creates an environment that is both inviting and comforting.

The addition of carefully chosen soft furnishings can be a boon, but avoid going overboard with the cushions; two to four are good dressing, any more and you are creating a barrier to bed – not to mention having the hassle of finding somewhere to put them at night and then putting them all back in the morning.

Finally, invest in the best bedding you can (seek out 500 thread count in the sales, you will love the difference!) and good rest should be assured.

AN ART DECO VOYAGE INTO STYLEThe images are from an award-winning design we created in partnership with Chiselwood Ltd (www.chiselwood.co.uk – 01522 704446). The concept is an Art Deco Ocean Liner Stateroom, picking up on the fashion for the Orient that was rampant pre-war. Dark colours and lavish finishes ensure that this suite embraces the occupant from the moment they enter. The darker tones combined with multi-level lighting, radiant natural wood and opulent fabrics provide a feeling of intimacy in a large room.

From old favourites can spring new ideas for adding festive colour and fun to your home, says interior designer Jamie Hempsall.

With less than a fortnight left before Christmas, the time has come when everyone should be joining the throng and getting their house adorned for the Festive Season.

One of the wonderful things about this time of the year is that Tradition never goes out of style; in fact, it can be a positive boon. There is a wonderful feeling to unwrapping boxes of carefully packed Christmas Decorations (if you have followed the advice given in this column!) to re-greet old favourites from years gone by.

A carefully co-ordinated designer tree can be a thing of beauty; one look in the window of the likes of Harvey Nichols will set any style conscious Christmas decorator drooling. However, there really is often nothing quite like a melange of brightly coloured family favourites crowded together.

The eclectic approach also has a number of key advantages, your decorations will never look the same two years running (unless you have a photographic memory), any member of the family can get involved in putting up the decorations (so hard pressed Mums and Dads can get a few hours peace and quiet whilst older children take over) and it does not need to cost a fortune to change your Christmas look.

An evolving set of decorations, with a few old ones retiring as a small selection of new ones are added, is the perfect way to create family traditions and memories. Each year members of my family exchange new Christmas decorations with each other. This means we have the joy of carefully choosing (or making) a decoration for another loved one, seeing it in pride of place on their tree and enjoying the memories that are evoked as we look over the various family trees.

Little Robin from Sarah Moore Vintage, £28 (01428 707678)

The High Street echoes this joy of the traditional and also the on-going trend for interiors with a more natural feel. This is something that is often seen when economic conditions are less than certain as people enjoy the comfort of the familiar and also realise the value of quality and longevity, rather than glitzy disposability.

Iron Finish Metal Hanging Star £9 (www.artisanti.com)

More natural materials such as wool, felt, paper and even iron are in evidence in many collections this year. These perfectly complement home-made decorations and could well be destined to be heirlooms of the future. Whilst price points may be on the higher side, a well-made Seasonal Adornment will stand the test of time and even prove to be cost effective in an age of austerity!

Green Tree Felt Placemats, £11.95 for two (www.iapetus.co.uk)

Leave no stone unturned (or shelf unadorned) in your adoption of Festive Chic. Does one tree in the corner really cut the mustard? Hardly! Let the decorations impact every area in your home. You can, of course, go the whole hog and drench your home in baubles and lights, but a delicate hint in a room (for instance, one or two larger ornaments in a children’s room or a ceiling decoration in the kitchen) will help extend the feeling of cheer throughout the home.

Christmas cushions are also the perfect temporary decoration for sofas, occasional chairs and beds. The great thing is that they have high impact, but are simple to clear away – you could even just invest in cushion covers that you exchange if you do not have the space to store a pad as well.

Adding small Christmas themes to each room cements your scheme throughout the home and also avoids your guests feeling that Christmas is contained solely in one room – an experience many people get when exiting a highly decorated living room to go to an unadorned kitchen or bedroom.

Alpine Cushions, from £67 (www.janconstantine.com)

Why display Mistletoe?

Mistletoe is considered a symbol for peace and joy. In many cultures it is imbued with all manner of miraculous qualities. It is said to have the power to heal diseases, give fertility and bring good luck and great blessings.

One of the explanations for kissing under the mistletoe is said to emanate from quarrelsome Norsemen. If they encountered an enemy near mistletoe they laid down their weapons and called a truce until the following day. This eventually led to the tradition of hanging mistletoe from the ceiling and exchanging kisses under it as a sign of friendship and goodwill.

Movember is with us and its influence is being seen in the home. Jamie Hempsall looks at what’s on offer.

The traditional signs of winter are joined by the new seasonal symptom of gentlemen across the country adopting facial hair as part of Movember, raising money for and awareness of Men’s Health issues; in particular Prostate Cancer.

We have a small caterpillar growing on the top lip of one of our directors and were looking at how we can show support around the office and home (as well as generously donating).

Although Movember is serious, the idea is clearly eccentric and taps into our sense of humour and fair play. So, if you know a Mo Bro or Sista here are a few ways to make them feel perfectly at home.

Welcome visitors and raise a smile whilst wiping their feet on the wonderful whiskers of the Moustache Door Mat, designed by John Caswell. The natural coir doormat is £25 from www.hunkydoryhome.co.uk (0191 645 4004).

Moustache door mat made from natural coir from www.hunkydoryhome.co.uk.

After a hard day waxing and preening the Mo grower will want to sit back and relax so the idea of sinking into a down filled cushion has to be appealing. The Mr Cushion by Ferm Living is made of high quality silk and has been created by Danish designer Trine Andersen– it will work particularly well for those who have adopted a mid-20th Century retro interior. A 50cm x 50cm cushion is £69.95 from www.cloudberryliving.co.uk (07780 693034).

Ferm Living Mr. Cushion

Create a romantic mood with some gentle candlelight courtesy of the o’moustache candleholder by mydeco.com (£15.65 – 0203 3841371)

O’moustache Candleholder

Once ensconced on the sofa the perfect cuppa has to be the answer and where better to enjoy it from than the Moustache Mug by Rume? There are three different mug designs that will ensure everyone can have the appearance of sporting a healthy growth even during the early days of tickly stubble.

Alternatively, if something a little strong than tea is required, offer your mo wearer a generous sharpener in a spectacular Gold Moustache Glass with real gold enamel transfer (be prepared for the washing up as these are not dishwasher safe). £15; 01227 277332 – www.foundhomestore.co.uk.

Gold Moustache Glasses

There is nothing that the Brits like more than a good pun and the “One Must Dash” Framed Print by Bodie & Fou captures this perfectly. Hang one of these in your kitchen or by the front door to raise a smile on the face of your fundraiser as they go out again to greet the world Moustache held high! (£35 from mydeco – details as before).

One Must Dash Framed Print

The Movember movement had humble beginnings in Melbourne, Australia, but is now a worldwide movement whose aim is raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate and testicular cancer. Last year over 854,000 people got on board. Funds raised in the UK are directed to programmes run directly by Movember and their men’s health partners, Prostate Cancer UK and the Institute of Cancer Research. For more information ask someone sporting a growing moustache or visit uk.movember.com.

It is a look that can transform a dining room, but introducing Gothic style must be done carefully, says Jamie Hempsall.

As the shops fill with bright orange pumpkins, fake bats and witches’ hats, there can be no doubt that Hallowe’en will soon be upon us. Every year it seems this event is becoming bigger and that the Gothic style is once more beginning to interest the exotic interior creator.

The introduction of Gothic architecture dates back to the Middle Ages and was first seen in religious buildings of the day. It introduced defining characteristics such as stained-glass windows, gargoyles, flying buttresses, tall spires and pointed arches. Fine examples such as Notre Dame in Paris immediately inject an element of awe and wonder –as they were specifically designed to do. These were important buildings and their occupants were clearly identified as powerful people.

However, much of what we associate as Gothic when it comes to interiors actually dates to the Gothic revival movement that gained popularity in the 18th and 19th Centuries, probably reaching its peak at the height of the Victorian Era. The adoption of this interior style echoed the rising interest in spiritualism, as people began to believe the newly emerging sciences would generate firm proof of the after-life.

Morticia Addams was certainly a devotee of the style, but to adopt it wholesale in the modern interior can be a trifle imposing. However, it is an incredibly interesting theme and to capture elements in your home will certainly create an area of dramatic expression.

Given the nature of this style it really lends itself to rooms that are going to be used in the evening when you might want to create a little home-spun drama. Gothic can be the perfect backdrop for a sumptuous dining room or to help create a tempting lair in the master bedroom.

Skull decanter and glasses from £47.50 at www.ellajamesliving.co.uk

To achieve true Gothic Revivalist impact your colour palate wants to be incredibly rich, using strong hues such as violet, emerald green and crimson. These deep tones create immediate impact and hint at the underlying romantic passions that the Victorians associated with the Gothic Literary Genre.

Purple chair, £2,000 at www.sofadesign.co.uk

Black holds a strong place in any Gothic scheme, but should be used carefully as a backdrop in detailing or in more solid structures. The juxtaposition of a black structure highlights the rich element of the key tones and shades.

It is not a style to be undertaken in a half-hearted fashion, so fabrics should be heavy and opulent, after all your average vampire needs to block out that glaring sunlight. To create the perfect effect use strong velvets or heavy brocades, which drape beautifully when made up into full curtains and reflect artificial light to good effect. Hang your curtains from wrought iron rods with flambeau finials and use long tassel tiebacks with gold accents to hold back the drapes for the finishing touch.

Chandelier, £49.99 at www.zazous.co.uk

Lighting should be dramatic and flattering; this is where wrought iron and low wattage bulbs come into their own. Keep shades simple and in a single colour, preferably in a thick material or with a gold card lining that will give a dim, but none the less useful light.

The body of the lamp should ideally be an intricate wrought iron structure with a strong nod to the Medieval. Alternatively, opt for large candle sticks capable of holding generous sized church style candles – perfect to create a warm & flattering light to brighten even the palest of skin (or to read a horror story by).

Versailles Noir Bed £799 at www.newtonsfurniture.co.uk

If you are looking to inject a touch of Gothic furniture, then you want something heavy in solid, dark wood or wrought iron. Seek out antique shop finds with dramatic carvings and claw feet or go ultra-modern and invest in some of the new black designer pieces with mouldings that are simply to die for!

Amongst the Birds mirror £75 at www.etsy.com

Jamie Hempsall Triumphs for Third Year in a Row

Jamie Hempsall, has won a coveted Best Interior Design Award at the prestigious UK Property Awards for the third year in a row.

Jamie Hempsall and Richard Bond received the award for Best Residential Interior Design for the East Midlands, along with Mel and Martin Holliday of bespoke kitchen and furniture company Chiselwood Ltd who partnered with them on the project, which entailed the refurbishment of an entire Tudor Manor House.

The quartet attended the awards ceremony at the London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square on Friday 12 October where the very best developments, architecture and interior design from across the entire United Kingdom were celebrated.

As nights draw in the nesting instinct returns, with many of us wanting to give our home a facelift to remedy the Autumnal gloom. Jamie Hempsall looks at paint options.

For many, a fresh paint job can be the perfect pick me up for making a home look cheery and well loved. Even an existing colour recoat or touching up the odd chip can have dramatic results in the look and feel of a property.

Paint can be a quick way to make a big impact

Paint has the advantage over many other finishes, because it is relatively simple to apply and, with care and attention, most people can get a good finish without too much trouble.

As with any decorating the secret to a successful job is time and preparation. Carefully consider the colours you are going to employ and do not stint on the time involved.

If you are planning on decorating in the same colour, it is important to remember everyday living has an effect on any paint finish. You can usually guarantee that if your room has been painted for over a year the tone will be slightly different to that in a fresh tin. Therefore, if you are going to refresh a significant patch, prepare to paint the entire wall to ensure the job looks professional.

Take time to prepare your surfaces well, a few extra hours spent now will lead to a better and longer lasting result. Invest in filler and a good sanding block.

Prepare your walls well to get the desired effect

If you are thinking of moving pictures around after you redecorate remove all picture hooks and carefully repair the holes with filler applied with a palate knife. The same should go for any small cracks. Let the filler dry and sand to a smooth finish so that your repair will be invisible once painted.

Seek the services of a professional if you are encountering larger cracks or significant areas of repair that require re-plastering. A bad plaster repair is always noticeable.

Woodwork also needs proper preparation. If you have a relatively good surface gently sand the existing topcoat to a matt finish to allow your new paint to bond to the surface effectively. If your wood has suffered from years of over-painting in heavy gloss chips can be significant. If this is the case, it is time to take action and re-introduce the love and attention your wood deserves. You will either need to use a hot air paint stripper to carefully burn off the paint or a proprietary chemical paint remover (these are very strong so use with caution). It may seem a lot of work, but you will be much happier with the end results.

There is then a preferred order for the entire job. Apply the first coat of emulsion to your walls and, after this has dried, apply an undercoat to any woodwork. Continue the job with a second coat of emulsion and then a topcoat of your chosen woodwork finish. This allows you to achieve far better definition and finish between the two types of paint.

In areas that are prone to knocks or high usage (such as halls or children’s rooms) use a high performance washable emulsion such as Intelligent Matt Emulsion by the Little Greene Paint Company or Dulux Endurance Matt. These finishes cope with the rigours of daily wear and tear and can be washed to give a newly refreshed surface without the need to repaint.

Use washable high performance emulsions in areas prone to knocks

We always use oil eggshell for woodwork. The finish is softer than gloss and seems easier to apply than acrylic eggshell, which can dry very quickly and be more prone to streaking.

Finally, opt for the best paint you can afford. Higher priced paints can seem expensive initially, but frequently have more pigment in them. This means they cover more effectively and could use fewer coats – saving you both time and money.

Use the best paint you can afford. The better the paint, the fewer the coats needed, saving time and money

BACKING FOR BREAST CANCER MONTH

For the fifth year running the Little Greene Paint Company will be raising funds during Breast Cancer Awareness month, by donating 15p from every tin of paint sold during October directly to The Haven.

The Haven, which receives no Government Funding, is the only national breast care charity that provides one-to-one support to improve the quality of life of anyone affected by breast cancer. The Haven work in partnership with the NHS and have centres in Leeds, London and Hereford.

Little Greene paint is available from 230 UK-wide stockists or can be purchased at www.littlegreene.com.

As the nights start to draw in, it’s time to start thinking about lighting. Interior designer Jamie Hempsall gives his advice on desk lamps.

The autumn school term has started and, for many, the next few months will hold dark evenings hunched over desks doing homework. One of the most important factors to help ensure that this time is spent wisely – and healthily – is to invest in a proper desk lamp; these days sometimes referred to as a task lamp.

Good lighting is essential to good study as it can help people feel more motivated, less lethargic and minimise the chances of distraction. It is also essential to ensure that the student can read easily in clear light to avoid eye-strain and reduce the risk of headaches.

Nordlux Amber LED white table lamp, £132, www.alltidiedandlitup.co.uk

So what should you be looking for in a good desk lamp? The most important feature is that they provide a high level of light that can be concentrated exactly where the user needs it.

Ideally your study lamp should be as flexible as possible, allowing the user to position both the main body of the lamp and the angle of the shade. This will allow the light to be practically focused. To ensure that this does not result in an unbalanced lamp, which easily tips over, check to make sure that the base is sufficiently heavy to stay upright with the lamp at full stretch.

Tesco Alfie desk lamp in white, £29.92, www.tesco.com

Alternatively, choose a lamp that will be securely fixed (either with a desk edge clamp fitting or a wall fitting). These style of fittings are particularly useful where you only have a small amount of desk space available and want to ensure that the base of the lamp does not occupy too much of this.

Pimlico table lamp, £94.99, www.tch.net

The height of the lamp in relation to the sitter is also vital. Always ensure that the light cast by the lamp starts below your student’s head. This may also require a bit of adjustment of study position for those who like to work with their heads close to the page, but is imperative to avoid working in shadow.

The strength of the bulb that you will be able to use is a careful consideration. No one should be struggling to read by a 25w candle bulb. Review the wattage guide on the light fitting to ensure that you can put in a relatively high power bulb. The level of light that people work with is a personal preference, but it is always better to opt high initially and then adjust down if necessary. Do pay attention to the maximum wattage allowances of your light to ensure you are not creating a potential fire or burn hazard.

Waterquest desk lamps, £35, www.berryred.co.uk

Once the practical boxes are ticked, why not indulge in a little bit of colour therapy and opt for a brightly shaded lamp to cheer up the desk top in the Autumn gloom.

POISED FOR PERFECTION

For some people, there are advantages of opting for “daylight” simulation bulbs, rather than ordinary light bulbs. Standard incandescent electric light actually has a slight yellow tint to it, which can distort colour perception.

Daylight bulbs provide a far “whiter” light than ordinary bulbs so you can see colours much more clearly. This is a major benefit for anyone who needs to see true colours, such as artists or interior designers.

In addition, some people find the whiter light is far more relaxing to work by and that it can help reduce eye-strain. Daylight bulbs are available from most electrical retailers.

Eating in front of the TV is bad for health and family life. Interior designer Jamie Hempsall looks at the importance of the right dining chair.

Barely a week seems to go by without reports on the obesity and poor dining habits of the nation. A healthy eating plan focuses us on the correct foods, but it has been shown that where we eat can also impact on how much we consume and how healthy our choices are.

Over recent decades the formal dining room has fallen out of favour, but a dedicated eating area within your kitchen or a corner of your sitting room (with the TV turned off!) creates the perfect place for considered consumption. Dietary benefits aside, grouping the family around a dining table can also promote greater social interaction and generally be a more pleasurable experience.

Wherever you establish your dining area, your chairs are vitally important as no one lingers on uncomfortable seats.. You can economise on a table (or plan to upgrade it later), but investment in comfortable and attractive chairs will reap rewards.

Test a chair the same way that you would a bed. Sit on it for a reasonable period to confirm the seat is an appropriate size and has enough padding. You also need to test the back of the chair gives enough support and is not too straight. The better the sitting position the longer people will want to spend around your table.

Lime Green Chairs (£495; www.sofadesign.co.uk – 0208 518 5443)

Ensure that you are not swayed by design over function. Some more modern designs (even the iconic ones) are beautiful to look at, but can be hard and slippery to sit upon. Without that welcoming comfort you are really wasting your money.

You also need to consider the seated height of your diners in relation to the actual table. Ensure you measure the table height and have this with you when you are choosing your dining chairs. Ideally, when seated at a table your average diner should find the top of the table just below chest height to give a comfortable dining position.

You can add height for smaller diners by investing in some proper dining chair cushions – your local upholsterer should be able to template from an existing chair and suggest suitable fillings to meet your requirements. Similarly, you want to have enough leg clearance to ensure knees can fit comfortably under the table top.

Sailor Chair (£495; www.ghostfurniture.co.uk – 01434 240 304)

If you are looking at dining chairs with arms then ensure that they can clear the base of the table, to allow you to pull the chair close enough to dine comfortably.

Budget should not be a barrier to either comfort or style. However, given that you want your dining chairs to have plenty of use think of them as a long term investment (and spend a little more accordingly); it is usually well worth it.

BonaldoKamarchair(www.gomodern.co.uk)

TURN OFF TV FOR HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE

Research by organisations such as the University of Birmingham has found that the more you focus on the flavour, texture and appearance of your food, the more full you are likely to feel at the end of your meal. This in turn should help reduce the chances of you snacking afterwards.

So moving your eating habits away from external distractions such as the television and ensuring that you have dedicated dining area in your home could help in a quest for healthier dining and dieting.

There is a renaissance in the use of gold in tasteful interiors. Interior Designer Jamie Hempsall looks at using it to best advantage.

Over the last couple of weeks, I think it is fair to say that the United Kingdom and Yorkshire in particular has definitely got used to enjoying a fair amount of gold in its daily life. The same can definitely be said for the world of interiors where this finish, which was in the wilderness for a few years, has definitely begun to firmly re-establish itself in our hearts.

Used en masse in its brightest form gold can be jarring and off-putting – ostentatious is rarely a look that many domestic interiors attempt to achieve. However, the modern incarnation of gold tends to favour the more subtle distressed effect – think gold which has been well handled and achieved a certain patina – less bling and a lot more distinguished glamour.

Many wallpapers include flecks of gold, rather than a full on pattern, which help to reflect light within a room – without drawing attention to itself. If gold is more predominant within the pattern the sheen is often antiqued to help add gravitas and a more regal aesthetic.

The light reflectivity is obviously an important element of this finish and it can be used to great effect to bring light into a darker room. This type of reflected light is a warm glow, rather than a harsh enhancement, which is particularly flattering to both the beholder and the beholdee. It is why we all tend to find candlelight so appealing and why gold works to great effect in rooms which are likely to come into their own at night; such as a dining room or sitting room.

Elegant gold adds a shimmering hint of oppulence when partnered with darker colours

This glorious, soft light can easily be introduced throughout your house, without making any great impact on your interiors scheme. Many companies now offer gold card linings in their lampshades which not only help to reduce light bleed from an overly harsh lamp, but also to focus the warm glow to create accent illumination pools throughout your room.

Gold also works to great effect when used as a highlight within a monochrome setting. In this type of environment a delicate wipe of gold along the detail of a picture frame, in a table leg or on a cornice can add drama without alerting the viewer to its presence.It seems to be the perfect accompaniment, whether you are adding accent to a light, cream interior or making a bold, delicious statement in a rich chocolate, aubergine or even black scheme. Used carefully, the effect of gold is always rich, warm and timeless.

Antique map wall mural from £220 at www.wallpapered.com

All that glisters…

When visiting a fine Country house, you may find that the gold on view is not necessarily all that is seems. In the 18th & 19th centuries a finish called Ormolu was much in vogue. This is the term used to describe gilt brass on decorative art objects, for example gilded mounts on furniture.

The gilding was applied using a mercury amalgam process, sometimes referred to as fire gilding. Copper corrosion products can form on the gold surface through minute gaps in the gilding. As with silver gilt objects, the gold layer is thin, soft and easily polished away.

As the British Summer does it’s best to confound the most optimistic of us, interior designer Jamie Hempsall looks at making the most of your outside room.

It appears we may have a few windows of opportunity to nip outside and enjoy some outdoor space – if we can tear ourselves away from the sporting events on the television. With this in mind, I have taken a look at some of the more unusual options that are available to ensure your garden is as individual as your interior.

It is always a difficult choice to spend money on exterior furniture and fittings, given how little time we may get to use them. However, you need to consider them a long-term investment. Well-designed and manufactured items may need you to indulge in a little care and maintenance, but are likely to pay dividends in the long run as you enjoy their stylish looks for years to come.

Lounging around is everyone’s first option when the good weather hits, but it would always be nice to indulge in this little passion whenever you fancy. We spotted the Cacoon at the Chelsea Flower Show and think it is a major find. It combines all the joys of a lounger, hammock, swing seat and tent. Being made from acrylic canvas it also does its best to cope with the British elements. They are incredibly comforting and definitely bring out the inner child when you get in them. Prices start at £225 for a single (www.hang-in-out.com – 020 8944 5141).

The Cacoon Lounger Hammock

Unpredictable weather conditions have to be a factor in all your decisions, so you may want to extend both sun and rain cover to less intimate spaces. An innovative and stylish solution is to opt for a Sail shade. The look is highly individual and they pack away to virtually nothing. If you opt for a woven, rather than knitted fabric they also offer the maximum possible UV protection from a fabric. The product pictured is the Kookaburra 3.6m Square Blue Sail Shade, which is independently tested to UPF50+, so should be perfect for those who have young or delicate skin: £59.95 (www.primrose.co.uk – 01189 035210).

Sail Shade

The range of outdoor furniture is endless and you should put as much consideration in as if you were choosing something for your interior. They may only be used for a few weeks of the year, but when you need them to leap into action you want to be able to sit & chat on them for every hour that is available to you. People seem to feel that they have to stick to the manufacturer supplied soft furnishings, but you can ensure that your furniture feels individual to you by re-covering cushions in a range of outdoor fabrics, such as Cabannes from Designers Guild or Zancudo by Osborne & Little. This is also a terrific way to give a cost-effective facelift to a beloved set of outdoor furniture.

It is not all about daytime though and with a little bit of planning you can extend the life of your garden well beyond sundown. Lighting is essential, but can easily be achieved with storm proof candles (which can be as simple as some tea-lights in jam jars to create a warm glow). If you are looking for a more permanent option, then we suggest you seriously consider floor lanterns, backed up by subtle higher-level lighting and uplighting or spot lighting to highlight key features without creating light pollution. Lanterns will give an effective, but kind light so you can still bath in the moon-light. The sophisticated Muse outdoor lamp pictured has a choice of frame colour and a waterproof plaited leather handle. The range features a fabulously practical battery powered version. From £680 (www.gomodern.co.uk – 0207 731 9540).

Muse Outdoor Lanterns

Team that lighting with an extra heat source to ensure that you maximise your outside time. There is nothing quite like gathering around an open fire and Kadai Fire Bowls are a wonderfully exotic option. They can be enhanced with a range of accessories including a cooking tripod, grills, skillets and a rain cover so that you can ward off the worst of the weather and still indulge in an outdoor adventurer fantasy. A recycled Kadai with stand, grills, tongs and wire brush is available from £164 (www.kadai.com – 01694 771800).

Kadai Fire Bowls

STORAGE IS KEY FOR GARDEN FURNITURE

It seems a shame to mention this when there is a hint of sun, but if you are purchasing garden furniture it is important to remember to consider how to store it over winter. Canvas items need to be properly dried and carefully folded before being packed away and stored in a dry place that does not attract rodents! Check if “all-weather” furniture really is so and give it a helping hand by purchasing water-proof covers. If there are any doubts, ensure you have the space to store items away from the elements to preserve your investment.

With the Olympics our sitting rooms are set to become the battleground for a nation of armchair athletes. Jamie Hempsall reports.

While the choice and style of your television set is important, the way it is placed in your room will impact not only on how comfortable it is to watch, but also whether it ends up completely dominating it.

Subsequently, the television has been released from the corner of your room and can be positioned more appropriately; enhancing your scheme, rather than vying with it. in a sitting room you need a focal point. Modern homes are frequently built without a replace, so your television can provide the natural draw. As a result they need to be sympathetically treated, especially when they come with a range of audio- visual peripherals such as satellite boxes and gaming machines. An ideal solution where there is no replace can be a long low, cabinet. These are plentiful on the market and provide the added advantage of not only housing AV peripherals, but also some storage for DVDs and games.

Try the Ying Yang low TV cabinet (£1,200 www. qingdao.co.uk) and the M150 White Glass cabinet (£1,499.99; www.triskom. co.uk). If you opt for a low cabinet remember in modern houses plug sockets are likely to be well above the skirting board, so check for a unit height of at least 60cm to be sure of a clean finish.

Triskom M150 White Glass Cabinet

Should you have the benefit of a firereplace, using the television as a second focal point can make the room feel unbalanced. The simplest solution is to wall-mount the TV over the fireplace. Employ the services of an electrician to hide aerial and power points to ensure the end resulting is clean and uncluttered.

TV positioned behind a modern replace

You can soften a wall- mounted television’s appearance and help integrate it into your interior design scheme by installing it in a wooden frame – there are many available on the market, or you could use the design skills of a local cabinet maker.

Bespoke wooden TV surround by Chiselwood

If you are wall mounting your television avoid the mistake of hanging the set too high. You want to be able to watch it in comfort without craning your neck (even with the advantage of a bracket that angles the set downward).

For rooms where you want the focal point of a replace to be unchallenged, a great solution is to create a false unit behind a modern flueless or electric fire and house the television on a rise and fall mechanism within this. Many cabinetmakers will be able to create a bespoke unit for you. Alternatively, there are an increasing number of standard units from the likes of Picture house Cabinets limited (www.picturehouse. eu).

Alternatively, you can hide your television in increasingly sophisticated pieces of furniture where the set is revealed on a rise and fall mechanism. Consider seeking out the Adam Style Demilune TV Cabinet, a neo- classical style piece in walnut and satinwood that makes a beautiful feature piece in its own right – before revealing the television within. (£3,853; www.jonathancharles.com- 01226 741811).

Jonathan Charles Demilune Cabinet in an Adam style is a beautiful piece of furniture in its own right.

DISCREET WAY TO TAKE CONTROL

It is often impossible to use remote controls for Audio- Visual equipment kept behind closedcupboarddoors. One of the simplest solutions is to use an infrared extender. these usually work by attaching infrared LEDs to the front panels of your boxes, which are then connected to a receiver discretely mounted in the door or top of your cupboard. Seek out advice from professionals such as Seven Oaks Sound & Vision in Wetherby (01937 586886).

Fathers Day is fast approaching. Interior designer Jamie Hempsall gives his advice on what to buy Dad.

If you have been anywhere near a card shop on the High Street in the last few weeks, you must be aware that it is Father’s Day this Sunday – a chance for us all to say thank you to our Dad. Whilst it might be traditional to give CDs, Sweets or a good bottle, there are plenty of interior items that should definitely appeal to the “Man of the House”.

Reflecting Dad’s individual style is important in your choice of your gift and for the sartorially aware chap surely there can be nothing more appealing than a bit of tweed added to your interior. Fabric houses have been using plaid and tweed for some time, but the Green Tweed A4 Magazine Box from Chia Maria is the first serious interior accessory I have fallen in love with. The imitation suede lining definitely adds a special touch of class (£26 – www.chiamaria.com; 020 8265 4539).

Green Tweed A4 Magazine Box from Chia Maria

You can combine a further sense of fun and functionality with the Harvest Coat Rack, which makes terrific use of a redundant rake. It is a perfect gift idea for those gardening enthusiast Dads and can be used inside or outside as a playful coat or object hanger; not to mention conversation piece. They are available in powder- coated steel in a variety of colours (£21.50 – www.shoponyourdoorstep.com; 01843 808061).

Harvest Coat Rack made from a yellow rake

When it comes to imbibing what matters is not just what is in the glass, but what is on the outside! If Corona is his tipple serve him up a treat with a set of two glasses made from recycled bottles. The Corona glasses are dishwasher safe, so you do not even need to get lumbered with washing them up for him (£12.50 for a pair – www.seld.co.uk; 01654 767475).

Corona bottle glasses from Seld

If he is more of a coffee enthusiast, he may enjoy supping whilst masquerading behind the moustache of a favourite character from film, TV or literature. Rume has a range of fine bone china espresso cups & saucers featuring three designs pairing a different moustache on either side: choose from Fu-Magnum, Maurice-Poirot or Mustafa-Chaplin. The saucers all feature a gentlemanly bow tie and there is even a bowler hat sugar bowl to match (Cup and Saucer £14.50 – www.rume.co.uk; 01273 777 810).

Moustache Espresso Cup And Saucer from Rume

Sometimes Fathers just need to know that something is exclusively theirs (be it a bar of chocolate or a favourite breakfast cereal). If this is the case, you could create a personalised enamel tin to hold his private treasures. These hand painted beauties come in a variety of sizes and are made to order as a truly individual gift (from £39 – www.jonnyssister.co.uk; 01935 873186)

Enamel storage tins made to order from www.jonnyssister.co.uk

TRULY INDIVIDUAL IMAGES

Without any doubt a framed photograph of loved ones is always a winner and something that can be used both at home or taken to your Dad’s place of work. If you fancy this idea, but want to add a hint of individuality why not consider a Personalised Digital Silhouette Print – custom designed from your own photograph. Cat’s Print Shop take your image and create the Silhouette using a palette of contemporary and vintage inspired colours. They are provided ready to frame in standard 8” x 10” or 11” x 14” sizes. From £40 (www.catsprintshop.com; 07852 774 335).

Add some Diamond Jubilee sparkle to your home without the diamond price tag, with help from interior designer Jamie Hempsall.

Shops are ablaze with bling at the prospect of a Royal Diamond jubilee. Whilst Diamond detailing is probably way beyond the pocket of all, but a few mega-wealthy individuals around the world, we can ape it in our home with a delicate introduction of crystal.

Although many consider crystal to be the domain of the teenage girl’s bedroom, if used carefully it can be incorporated into homes to create a stylish touch of glamour. The key to creating the right element of chic is to opt for a hint of sparkle, perhaps in one or two key details, rather than overloading your room with glitz and shine.

Mayfair Sofa with crystal detailing for £4,675 from www.beautiful modernthing.com

The name that is most synonymous with crystal, Swarovski, has been responsible for many of the innovations that make it possible for us to use this substance throughout our home.

It seems incredible the company was founded in 1892 when Daniel Swarovski invented a machine process that allowed crystal to be cut more precisely and, therefore, to emulate diamonds more closely.

Their products have been used in manufacturing and even road safety; in the guise of reflectors. However, in 1931 Swarovski invented sew-on crystal ribbons which made the application of sparkling lovelies far easier and opened up a world of opportunity for fashion and home accessory manufacturers.

The close association with the fashion world meant in 1956 it was Swarovski, in partnership with Christian Dior, who developed the “Aurora Borealis” effect, the shimmering finish that enhances the sparkle of cut crystal. This was followed in 1976, by the introduction of the “Hot Fix” system that enabled crystals to be applied to a wide variety of materials quickly and easily.

Finally in 1993 crystal mesh was invented, a closely woven mesh of sparkling crystals that is used today by a whole host of design houses, including D&G, Chanel and Louis Vuitton.

And so the love affair continues….

The use of contemporary Crystal in interiors has grown immensely over the last five years with its introduction in all manner of products. If you are looking to tip your toe into the water, then curtain detailing and tie-backs can be a good starting point to lift your room.

Door handles are another good way to add sparkle. Replacing brass knobs with their crystal cousins can add a hint of understated luxury in period properties, whilst many modern ranges now feature crystal to add Hollywood Glamour to bedroom furniture.

Crystal detailing on wardrobes adds a touch of Hollywood glamour

The development of crystal buttons (which look like small diamonds) has been a boon for the upholstery industry. They can look stunning when incorporated in deep button finishes. Alternatively, handfuls of crystal buttons or table gems strewn across a formally set table top help to add the perfect lift for a special occasion dinner.

Silver Diamante Table Gems £8.99/100g www.confetti.co.uk

Pure crystal has a beautiful clarity to it that sets it apart from glass. Therefore, it should be the natural choice if you are looking for a special centre or accent piece. Many companies now produce simply shaped crystal lamps that are both glamorous and classic – an investment that should not go out of fashion.

You can always splash out on a crystal chandelier if you want to make a major lighting statement (and have the headroom). There really is nothing that compares to their flattering reflective light. With a little searching you can usually find some great value antique bargains these days – which look wonderful in any style of interior (a juxtaposition of ancient and modern is definitely on-trend).

Sometimes though more is more and if you really want to make a statement – make it big. The Swarovski Crystal Petit Bateau is a limited edition cast iron bath with over 8,000 hand applied Swarovski Crystals (it does have a smooth enamel interior for comfort). If you have a spare £130,000 then simply head over to Catchpole & Rye (www.crye.co.uk – 020 7584 1744).

Swarovski Crystal Petit Bateau from Catchpole and Rye

All That Glitters…

All crystal is glass, but not all glass is crystal. So what is the magic ingredient that makes all the difference?

Glass is made from sand, soda ash and limestone, which are melted together at over 2900 Degrees Fahrenheit.

To be classified as “full lead crystal”, according to the European legal definition, glass must contain at least 24 percent lead oxide, which ensures the optimum weight, hardness and colour.

The addition of the lead oxide makes crystal softer than glass and allows manufacturers to cut and bevel lead crystal with brilliant edges.

There has never been a better year to “Fly the flag”, interior designer Jamie Hempsall explores some patriotic looks for your home.

Well, if we were ever in need of an excuse for National Pride and a display of Patriotism, 2012 is serving things up to us on a plate. The combination of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics should have the nation rallying with a fervent cry – or at the very least getting together over a beer and crisps to discuss the ridiculous state of the weather.

The interiors world is certainly not immune to the excitement that the year holds. Retailers across the land have recognised that, with the ringing of “Land of Hope and Glory” in their ears, many householders will be looking to add a bit of UK Chic to their interiors. As a result, there are an amazing array of new and unique products available sporting our national flag which always makes an eye-catching statement where ever it is used.

The colours in the Union Flag are very rich and distinctive (the blue is Pantone 280 and the red is Pantone 186). These are very strong hues indeed, so should be used carefully (and potentially sparingly). They are ideal as a focal point, seen against a neutral backdrop. Alternatively, you may want to consider embracing the trend for vintage finishes which would allow you to incorporate watered down tones.

The kitchen is a great place to inject some gusto and, potentially, humour in the home. There are a plethora of Union Jack tea cosies, napkins, mug and tea towels, which will fit the bill and allow a temporary injection of patriotism which can be brought out as and when you feel like it. I have been particularly drawn to the Sterk & Co Union Jack Tablecloth, a beautifully crafted Fairtrade item, which appears to be the next best thing to covering your table with an actual flag (www.cottonhill.co.uk; £49.95).

Sterck & Co Union Jack tablecloth, Cotton Hill £49.95

You could add a further hint with a wall-clock, the most innovative I have seen is Union Jack Clock Wall Sticker (with Mechanism). The sticker is applied to the wall and then you hang the mechanism in the middle. Definitely a trifle eccentric, but is that not what it is all about? (£40 – www.spincollective.co.uk – 01242 255244).

The big feature in our kitchen is the radio, which allows us to tune in to what is going on in the outside world. Whilst the internet and digital TV are diminishing its importance, I still feel a radio is nice to have. You could add a spot of, albeit pricey, fun with a Roberts Revival Union Jack Digital Radio. An iconic British Brand, with a Royal Warrant to boot, so you will be flying the flag in more ways than one. (£200 – www.cotswoldtrading.com; 01386 853331).

Roberts Union Jack digital radio from Cotswold Trading £200

Children’s rooms are also a perfect area to inject a flag theme as the bright and bold designs fit well into younger schemes. You want to use pieces that can stand up to rough and tumble – making a vintage look an ideal starting point.

Many brands such as Prestigious Textiles and Wallpapered.com have introduced Union Jack fabrics and wall murals, so you do not have to worry about painting a flag the wrong way up. Alternatively, keep to a single colour and introduce your flags in key pieces.

The Calabar Union Jack 3 drawer chest is made from old boat timbers which gives a nice, historical feel to the clean, chic industrial lines. The drawer fronts are covered in fabric flags making it perfect for a design led room. (£529 – www.uniquechicfurniture.co.uk – 0115 986 9222).

Calabar Chest from UniqueChic Furniture Ltd £529

Team this with the Union Jack UK Flag Vintage Egg Chair with Washed Denim Front to create the perfect designer pad for any aspiring James or Jane Bonds out there (£499 – www.plushdeco.co.uk – 0203 286 4876).

The Union Flag, often called the Union Jack (it is argued this should only be when flown on a ship), is made up of the emblems of three of the Kingdom’s countries. The current design was adopted in 1801 and is an amalgam of the red St George’s Cross, the white diagonal St Andrew’s Cross and the red diagonal St Patrick’s Cross. Wales is not represented in the flag due to its status as a Principality, rather than a Kingdom. If you are “flying the flag” the wider diagonal white stripe should be at the top on the left hand side.

New designer Deryn Relph’s unique take on knitting has already won her a role in creating a new brand, writes Jamie Hempsall.

It is always exciting to come across a new and innovative talent and this was definitely the case when I met textile designer Deryn Relph at the British Craft Trade Fair in Harrogate.

Unusually, Deryn has chosen to work with wool in its knitted form and was exhibiting some remarkable designs for cushions and a chair, but it was an innovative range of lampshades that really caught my attention. These were a real wake up call for the senses and showed how a traditional craft can be reimagined to work in a contemporary environment.

Deryn only graduated from Winchester School of Art in 2010, but has already received the Knitted Textiles Award from the UK Hand Knitting Association and has been instrumental in the design of the first fabric collection for new British brand, Scion. She has also been spotted by the team at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park and is holding a creative workshop there on May 26th. Quite a lot to fit in in such a short time!

Whilst knitting may seem a complicated medium to some people, Deryn finds that it works perfectly for her. She has a strong passion for colour and likes to evoke an emotional response in her designs. When you combine this with a love of nostalgia and retro (albeit with a twist), you can see that knitting fits the bill perfectly. Deryn hastens to point out that she machine knits, so volume is possible, and in this way she sees knitting as a simple way to create her own fabrics as quickly as she wants.

Following her warm reception at Harrogate, where she managed to win two more prizes for her trophy cabinet, Deryn is clearly looking forward to the YSP workshop in May.

It seems amazing that Deryn can cram so much into her working day and clearly it has been a bit of a whirlwind since she entered the world of textile design. Fabric company Harlequin first spotted her when they were sponsoring “New Designers” in 2010; the UK’s most important design graduate exhibition. They liked the way she put colour together and the eclectic mix of her work and offered her a work placement, which subsequently developed into a fairly major role.

It was fortuitous that the team at Harlequin were looking to create a new brand, Scion, which is aimed at the trend-savvy, fashion-aware customer. They wanted to develop a range that would be forward-looking, and individual, but with an enduring appeal. This inspiration fitted well with Deryn’s own personal design ethos and she soon found herself working with the team to develop “Melinki”; their first collection of prints, weaves and wallcoverings which has just been launched.

The Melinki range channels fashion motifs and colours

Part of the appeal for Deryn was to help create a diverse variety of designs that would appeal to those with a love of bold colour and graphics. Melinki clearly has some heritage influence, but rather than aping designs from the Mid 20th Century it takes a whiff of inspiration and dramatically reinterprets them for the modern home and adds a splash of modern Scandinavian design for good measure. The eclectic range features a glorious array of colours and themes, from oversized dragonflies and alert looking foxes, to engaging geometrics and Bakelite brights that would definitely appeal to any aspiring Don Draper or Peggy Olson.

Scion non-woven wallcoverings

The range also ticked two other boxes for Deryn. The first being that good design should be available to all, the Scion brand ethos is to satisfy the market for on-trend, edgy fabrics and wallcoverings at affordable prices. Their 100% cotton prints start at £25 per meter and non-woven wallpapers are £30.00 a roll, which is not necessarily first home affordable, but certainly goes a long way to help.

Scion cotton prints

The second box it ticks is that Scion is truly a great British Brand, as all of Melinki’s printed fabrics and wallcoverings are manufactured in the UK. This is a good story to be able to tell when the news always seems so full of UK job losses.

Clearly, the year ahead is looking very bright for Deryn and I have a feeling we will be hearing a lot more about her in years to come.

For more information on the Melinki range visit www.scion.uk.com or call 0845 123 6805.

LEARN FROM DERYN AT YSP

Deryn is holding a full-day workshop on lampshade construction and decoration at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park on 26th May 2012.

This is not just a chance to meet Deryn and get some insight into the inspirations that help her create such innovative work. She will actually be working with participants to create their own pendant lampshade using her trademark knitted fabrics on the day.

For more information or to book a place visit ysp.co.uk/deryn or call 01924 832631.

To find out more about Deryn and view some of her innovative furniture, soft furnishing and lampshade designs visit her website derynrelph.co.uk

The right headboard for your bed can drastically alter the feel of your room and bring a new dimension of comfort, says Jamie Hempsall.

The introduction of a headboard in your bedroom marks a stage in life, as you move from a home that “makes do” to one that truly embraces a finished look.

The mistake often made in a bedroom is to create a design using co-ordinated bedside tables, lamps and other furniture, but to then rely solely on the bedding to link the bed in. If you have a modern divan, rather than a bedstead, you need to work hard to turn this into an integral piece of furniture. A headboard draws the sightline of your bed into the potential dead space above your pillows and places it firmly at the heart of your scheme.

Matching wooden detail to the shades of other pieces in the room and/or using co-ordinating upholstery fabrics to draw out colours introduced in other soft furnishing highlight the bed and make a firm focal point.

A statement headboard can really finish off the look of a bedroom. Extend a headboard beyond the bed to even out large areas

The scale and shape of your headboard drastically alters the feel of your room and can be used to provide an additional link to other pieces of furniture or fabric patterns. Ensure the proportions are appropriate for your room to produce the ambience you want. An oversize headboard running high up the wall is perfect in ultra-modern schemes. Wide headboards that extend beyond the bed and behind your bedside tables are ideal for drawing disparate items together and for helping make large rooms feel warm and cosy.

Oversized headboards add dramatic impact in modern schemes

Whilst a headboard can seem an expensive addition, it will pay dividends not only in the style stakes, but also when it comes to comfort.

An upholstered headboard is one of the reasons most hotel beds feel so luxurious. They may add an element of refinement, but one of the most important features is that resting a pillow against an upholstered surface is far more comfortable (and often warmer) than placing them against a hard wall.

Upholstered headboards are what makes hotel beds feel so luxurious

From a truly practical perspective, a fitted headboard will also help avoid the age old problem of pillows falling down the back of the bed and potentially help avoid drafts from exterior walls. They also ensure your wall decoration is protected from everyday wear and tear as you climb in and out of bed.

Using pillows against an upholstered headboard adds comfort

Most bedroom retailers offer a selection of contemporary headboards. However, remember your local upholsterer. Janet Hilton, MD of JTH Upholstery, says “Customers are astonished we can often create a bespoke single headboard for the same price they might pay for a generic High Street one”. She continues, “Clients love the idea that they will have something truly unique, as I never repeat any designs. It is really satisfying interpreting someone’s thoughts and creating a truly dramatic centrepiece for their room” (www.jth-upholstery.co.uk; 01777 249029).

Sweet dreams!

Parisian Upholstered Headboard£625 by www.frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk

Headboard Alternatives

Use a bookcase or wall unit the width of the bed to create a focal area and provide plenty of storage. Remember pillow creep so ensure the space at the top of your bed has a soft edge.

Hang a quilt or wall hanging above the bed to create a soft design feature.

Paint a mural (or use wall stickers) the full with of the bed to create a faux headboard.

Securely hang a light-weight framed picture above the bed (ideally using glass plates). Glaze with Perspex rather than glass to avoid accidents if it falls off the wall!

Add some spring touches to celebrate the new season’s arrival, says Jamie Hempsall.

Decorating the home for Easter is becoming a bigger issue in the UK. I know the season has arrived when I arrive at my Mother’s house to see her twisted willow adorned with hand-painted eggs. This outdoor visual treat is also a wonderful family activity, as everyone can help paint eggs and then gather round to decorate the tree.

With the tone set with a tree, why not opt for an Easter Wreath? These welcome your guests and hint at the hot cross buns and simnel cake that may be on offer inside. A great example is the Easter Floral Egg Wreath from Gisela Graham. It has a rustic design decorated with speckled eggs and flowers. It would also make a super centrepiece (£23.95: www.ilikechickens.co.uk – 0845 505 3222).

Easter Floral Egg Wreath from I Like Chickens

Use egg shaped candles with a pale yolk colour inside to create the ideal Easter Breakfast table. They are remarkably realistic and would look lovely all year round. Nordic House sell three different sizes to suit all appetites (a half dozen “hens” eggs are £7.50: www.nordichouse.co.uk – 0845 475 1610).

Egg Candles With Yolk by Nordic House

The perfect breakfast table needs the perfect breakfast and what better than dippy eggs and soldiers? You may be all grown up, but can you really resist a little dunk? The Soldier Egg Cup should bring a smile to your face and the toast cutter will turn boring bread into genuine bone-fide soldiers! (£6.95: www.prezzybox.com – 0844 2495 007).

Soldier Egg Cup And Toast Cutter from Prezzybox.com

If your loved one is heading off to work after breakfast, brighten their office with a desk tidy that is perfect for the season. The Desk Bunny incorporates a pair of scissors for ears and has a magnetic carrot to hold paperclips. Maybe not the most practical option, but it definitely caught my eye (£15.95: www.hirstandhirst.co.uk – 01572 723800).

Desk Bunny With Scissors by Hirst & Hirst Living

The nursery seems the ideal place to introduce the odd bunny or two and here I have a couple of stylish and practical options. A rabbit night-light is a great way to help little ones drift off in a warm and comforting glow. The Rabbit Lamp by Rose & Grey is made from heat resistant resin which will not get hot, so is perfect for little ones to use (£55: www.mydeco.com – 0203 384 1371).

Rabbit Lamp by Rose & Grey from mydeco.com.

In a similar vane is the subtly stylish bunny meadow wall stickers from Bambizi, which are a no mess, no fuss way to create your own designer nursery. The bunnies frolic in a field of flowers under the blossom of a beautiful tree. A wonderful way to inspire youthful imaginations and to welcome Spring inside (£95: www.bambizi.co.uk – 0845 269 2162).

Bunny Meadow Wall Stickers by Bambizi

CALCULATING THAT DATE

It seems perplexing that although Christmas is the same date each year, Easter always shifts and seems to catch us unawares. Although it may seem to be randomly generated, the date that Easter falls on every year is actually the result of a calculation set by Egyptian astronomers in Alexandra in 235ad relating to the Spring Equinox. The actual formula is: Easter Sunday or Easter Day is the first Sunday after the first full moon following the Spring Equinox.

The Christian celebration of Easter also coincides with a number of other festivals celebrating the re-birth of the year – hence, gifts of eggs and rabbits that are both symbols for fertility and re-birth.

If you want a wallcovering with feel appeal, vinyl could be the way answer. Interior Designer Jamie Hempsall explains.

Mention vinyl wallpaper to some people and they picture heavily patterned papers from the 1970s that are definitely not retro-chic. However, things have come a long way since then with new designs using the best properties of vinyl to create contemporary products perfect for the most discerning interior.

If you are looking for good value wallcovering, then vinyl is a strong contender. Whilst the initial outlay can be more expensive they are incredibly hard-wearing, generally coping better with knocks and scrapes than most painted or wallpaper finishes. This means you can be relatively sure of having a finish that will last a significant number of years, provided you are happy to stick with the same design for some time.

They are ideal for areas where you can expect a greater degree of moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens. They can be wiped clean easily which also makes them a good contender for high traffic areas or those that might receive more attention than normal from younger members of the household. The moisture resisting effect does rely on the paper having been hung well, with a good adhesive and flush finish.

The heavy weight when combined with a design that contains a high degree of texture can also make vinyl a useful tool to help cover up a poor wall surface with uneven plaster or small cracks.

Practicalities aside, there are a number of aesthetic reasons for picking some of the newer vinyl ranges. The modern designs make considerable use of the texture of vinyl to allow householders to indulge in finishes that might otherwise be beyond their reach such as leather, skin or even quilting!

The use of texture is important, particularly within schemes where you want to add interest without injecting too much colour. Many ranges focus on neutral palettes, which help create the perfect backdrop for your modern interior.

Using a 3D finish maximises the ability to develop the properties of light within your room. The look of textured wall-covering changes throughout the day as he natural light moves within the room. It also helps create the perfect backdrop for artificial light, the careful placement of which can instantly transform a room once the power switch is flicked.

There are a number of interesting collections at present and here are my personal favourites.

The Metropolis Vinyls 2 collection from Osborne & Little, includes crocodile and mako sharkskin motif prints that look particularly good against the clean lines of modern furniture. The range also features Cabretta, a wonderful quilted design with an in-built 3D visual which begs to be stroked; this would be perfect in a super-cool bedroom with mid-20th Century vintage retro design. Prices from £95 per roll (www.osborneandlittle.com – 020 7352 1456).

Crocodile, from the Metropolitan Vinyls 2 collection

In a similar vain is the semi-plain vinyl “In the Picture Collection” from Prestigious Textiles. Design Issue String delicately hints at leather and parcel string, providing subtle textural interest to your scheme in a range of muted tones. Priced at £45 per roll (www.prestigious.co.uk – 01274 688448).

Prestigious Textiles’ Design Issue String

The Modern Eccentrics range from Today Interiors takes geometric design to a whole new level, featuring an array of colours to suite the bravest taste. The designs are virtually architectural and include “Woven” (a mix of velvet soft and razor sharp, featuring interwoven parallelograms) and “Shell” (a stylised fishbone pattern of natural lines floating on floating on a wave of small checks). Priced from £64.85 per roll (www.today-interiors.com – 01476 574 401).

Woven by Today Interiors

Finally, the Zoffany Mosaic Collection features another good range of patterns that take a lot of influence from Eastern Architecture. The jewel in the crown though is Mosaic Dapple which not only introduces texture from a delicate cascade of small squares, but plays an additional trick with its ombré tones which appear to be reflections of light, but are actually built into the design. This is perfect to introduce an extra element of light into a dark room. Priced at £76 per roll (www.zoffany.com – 0844 543 4748).

Zoffany Mosaic Dapple

Music enthusiasts have long extolled the benefits of vinyl. Perhaps it is time that interior enthusiasts did too!

PASTING WALL IS WAY TO GO

MANY vinyl patterns are produced in a non-woven finish, meaning you paste the wall rather than the paper. This is ideal for those less confident at decorating because it is less fussy and means you can manipulate the paper to a larger degree once it has been hung on the wall: enabling you to achieve a high degree of pattern matching and butting up, without having to get it right first time.

The DIY novice is likely to find that the heavy nature of vinyl wallpaper also makes it ideal to handle, as it is far less likely to rip.